Transport Story Time

It was on her 18th birthday when the most tragic event of her life happened.

My friend, Aira, was tryingher new car just inside their village, when she was startled by a passing sports car, thatinsteadof hitting the brakes, she accidentallystepped on the gas,which subsequently resulted to her losing control of her driving. The uncontrolled speed had sent her crashing to a nearby center island.

Aira sustained several broken bones in her legs and arms. Her face, too, was badly damaged, that it was cast for a few weeks. After some minor operations on her, her doctorsdeclared she was already safe.

Her medical bills, however, were huge.

Thinking that it would solve the problem, herfamily tried claimingAira's supposed highmedical insurance. But the familydid not know that they were in for a shock whenthe medical insurance group refused to pay for her medical bills, saying thatlearning to drive was not covered by her insurance.

They were more astonished when the said insurance group saidthat Aira's accident was "with her intention," as she "knew" how risky it was to gooutdriving for the first time, without an instructor.

The insurance group was wrong on both counts. It was not the first time that Aira was driving a car; she had her driving course already. She had not finished the course, though. She knew the risk of driving without the proper driving course and a driver's license, but she felt she was safe driving the car inside their village.

Her mother, whowas one of the few female driving instructors in town, had also allowed her to drive her car, which gave her more confidence. It was just luck that there was no one with her that fateful day.

The car was badly damaged, and although it could still be repaired, Aira's family decided to sell it.

They did not bother suing the insurance group, too, as they were already tired of all the proceedings.

Three months after the accident, Aira was back on her feet again. Except for some visible stitches and limping, she was okay.

But she would no longer be allowed to drive. Her Dad had to drive her to and from her school, which, what her family saw, as safefor her.