Don’t Get Scared. I’m OK
by Jimmy Kilimitzoglou, DDS
There was an accident … God has plans for me. I trust in Him but He trusts in me. Monday night was a profound experience. I have been having trouble with my car but my mechanic assured me it was resolved. A few days after picking it up from the shop, it just didn’t feel right. I texted him and he offered to look at it again. After seeing patients all day, I had a meeting at the Suffolk County Dental Society. I left at 9:30 pm and headed home. Stopped at the light on Route 347 and 111. Light turns green and I advance. Seconds later the car bucks and stalls. I tried starting the car but it would not turn. Tried again, then again, then again. This road has 3 lanes going in each direction and I am on the left lane.
Hazard lights go on and I called 911. I figure I have no cover here, I cannot walk out and go to the curb safely. If I can have an officer redirect traffic and maybe push me to the side of the road, that would be ideal. The dispatcher was very courteous and I felt confident she would help me quickly. Very calmly I stated that I am in a disabled vehicle headed eastbound on 347 and I am exactly in the middle of the intersection, exposed to all directions of traffic. Before I can answer her next question I see in the rear view mirror headlights that are approaching fast. The driver showed no signs of slowing down.
Here we go. I realize I cannot leave the car because it would not be safe. I would probably be run over by the next car on the fast lane from the opposite direction of traffic. I cannot drive the vehicle so my best bet is to brace for impact. INCOMING!!!!! I think to myself: “OK Jimmy, stay loose. Don’t hold on to the steering wheel. Don’t cover the brake. The emergency brake is on.” “AAAAAAAAHHHHH.” BOOM.
“Hey, I am alive! I’m ok, I think.” The soft top is open?! My airbags are not deployed. The other driver is OK and just got out of the vehicle. He looks like he is 19 years old. I would estimate he was driving at about 70 mph and was distracted, probably texting. He didn’t slam on the brakes, there was no screeching or tire marks. His Mazda sedan stopped on impact. His front end disappeared. Where did it go? Seconds later 4 fire trucks, 5 auxiliary vehicles and two police cars were there. Traffic was stopped. “Are you OK” the kid asked. “Yes, are you OK?” I responded. “My pinky is f#@ked up, but I am OK” he said. I started to console him. He was so nervous. I could tell by his body language that he was scared, shocked and felt guilty. “Dude, thank God you are OK. Don’t worry about anything else. It’s all good” I said. The firefighters asked if we were ok and if we needed EMS to take care of us. They asked us multiple times.
At this point they asked us to move to the side of the road. I don’t have my phone on me. Did it get ejected? I don’t think so. How do I let people know I am OK? I asked the kid if I could borrow his phone. He graciously handed me his cell phone. I called my wife, Heather. I only remember her phone and my brother’s phone by heart. Who memorized phone numbers anymore? She didn’t believe me at first. I guess I was very calm and matter of fact. Let’s try this again: “Babe, I don’t have my phone, it’s probably in the wreck or in the street rubble, I am borrowing the other driver’s phone…I am OK.” She wanted to come and pick me up.
The female police officer was so courteous and helpful. “Do you have your license, registration and insurance card?” she asked. “Yes, ma’am. Here is my driver’s license. My other information is on my phone and also in the glove compartment, but I don’t know where the phone is” I said. “May I look in your glove box?” she respectfully asked. I am thinking to myself “may you? OMG, please. Of course you may.”
The tow truck driver, introduced himself to me. He saw me looking in the car for the phone. My seat back was reclined all the way. The back seat, almost like a bench, was up and forward. Thank God my boys were not with me. They would have been either crushed or severed, not to mention, our skulls would have collided. I was looking for my phone: under all seats, in every crevice, the back trunk. Nothing. The tow truck driver gave me his flashlight and offered to call my number so we can hear or see it. What a nice guy! As a matter of fact, everyone involved was so respectful, caring, helpful and courteous. Other than the accident, it was a great experience. If I could give a Google review, I would give it 5 stars all the way.
The police officer went above and beyond. She printed a police report and entered all the information. I didn’t have to do anything. The insurance company of the other driver will give me a check because the car was a total loss. Heather came over and was eager to find my phone. Do you know where it was? In a crevice of the wrinkled trunk gate. OK time to go home. I gave the other driver a NY hand shake and a bro hug and Heather and I went home.
As I reflect on this I realize our mortality and our opportunity in life. It should have ended for me Monday night. I don’t see it as cheating death but rather emphasizing life. Arguably one of the best experiences of my life. It is nothing short of a miracle that I walked out of that wreck with nothing but a few bruised ribs and a swollen elbow. When my life flashed before my eyes staring at the headlights, I was accepting what my fate would be. I wasn’t scared. When I was younger I was scared to die; the fear of the unknown and the loss of senses: you can’t hear, see, taste or feel anything. Don’t get me wrong, I do not have a death wish but I feel like I live my life to the absolute fullest every day.
Now back to logistics. In fractions of a second I made some decisions. My car has a manual transmission. The emergency brake engages the rear wheels. By me not applying the brake pedal, I would allow the impact to lift the back of the car resulting in the front tires to move the car forward enough until the back tires reach the ground. Not grabbing the steering wheel would allow the car to hopefully go straight and not onto oncoming traffic. It would also prevent my arms and hands from breaking. Keeping my body nimble and not tight would also give me the best chance of survival and minimize serious injuries. I loved that Jeep Wrangler. It was a rough ride, it was not luxurious, it wasn’t fast or fancy. We had great memories and it served us well for 11 years. It was rugged and made out of metal. That Jeep saved my life on Monday.
What is my message today? Be aware of distracted driving. Keep your head on a swivel. Watch your 6 o’clock. Don’t be distracted. There is a reason that there is no music radio in a cockpit of an airplane. Don’t text and drive. Don’t drive when tired or sleepy. Don’t drink and drive. Don’t smoke and drive. Stay alert. Just drive. Scan those mirrors often. Try to predict what the other guy is going to do. Lastly, live life to the fullest as if there is no tomorrow. I love you all.
Jimmy Kilimitzoglou, DDS is the owner of ESI Healthy Dentistry, Smithtown, NY,
(631) 979-7991. dental@esihealtydentistry.com www.esihealthydentistry.com
