Road crash survivor narrates how horrific ordeal changed her life
Ruth Ndung'u a road crash survivor during an interview on November 19, 2023.
Almost two months ago, Ruth Ndung’u boarded a Naivasha-bound PSV from Nakuru not knowing that would be the last day she would be able to walk on her own without the help of crutches.
Ruth narrates, "I was to head out to Naivasha to carry out a training. Feeling too tired to drive, I decided to board a matatu to avoid causing any road accidents. I thought I was being a responsible road user; little did I know that choice would result in me having to depend on crutches."
Just as the matatu got to Delamere, it was involved in a head-on collision with another car whose driver was drunk driving.
"The accident was so bad that the matatu driver passed away the next day," she shares before adding, "I ended up sustaining serious injuries since I was seated at the front. I remember the terror I felt as a mixture of smoke and cries for help filled the air."
While sharing her story, Ruth is keen to heed the public to take time to learn how to properly carry out first aid and handle accident survivors since the lack of knowledge resulted in her crutch dependency.
"My right leg was completely shuttered when the people that were rescuing me from the accident scene dropped me. Consequentially, I am now fully dependent on crutches which then limits places I have access to."
As she shares her story, she additionally notes that another activity that she can't do any longer is driving which means she can't earn a living since she needs to travel a lot and carry out training and has to depend on being driven around which is a bit expensive.
While the conversation draws to a close, she shares that she is grateful for life, and even though she struggled to share her story, she hopes it can serve as a source of encouragement to other road crash survivors.
"As we head into the festive season, motorists should remember that pombe haiendi mahali. if you like enjoyment be sure to have a designated driver. I think what many forget is that accidents don't only affect the survivors. The effects and trauma trickles down to the family members and friends who most times have to play caregivers and also chip in financially," she shares in her parting shot.
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Ruth Ndung’u was part of the car crash survivors who spoke at the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims commemoration organized by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).
Kenya Roads Board staff march to remember car crash survivors and their families in Naivasha on November 19,2023.
Tears were shed as Ruth and other survivors shared their heart breaking experiences citing how drastically your life changes within the blink of an eye and the trauma left.
Some of the other presentations at the event included live first aid demonstrations by St. John's ambulance team and a poem by students from Lakeview Primary School.
According to a presentation done by NTSA at the event, 173 lives have been lost along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway from January to date.