First accident (ever!) in mr HKer's life

Having a car accident is never good...

Let's talk about the implications, when a driver is not careful:

• endanger other's well-being as well as the driver's

Driving is a privilege and a big responsibility to your passengers and other drivers on the road. By not being safe and careful, it increases the potential to harm others. Moreover, it's psychologically terrible on everyone involved because of the unnecessary hassle caused from something that could have been avoided by being more careful in the first place. 

• damage to other's property

Damage caused by a car usually extends to the environment and it's not great to damage your own car but other impacted properties will also need repair. It causes unneeded grief and a waste of resources and time for everyone, to have to fix the damage(s). 

• raise the insurance premiums of all parties involved

Your own car premiums will go up and some insurance companies may also raise the premiums of the victims too - depending on the situation. But given your own auto insurance could double, imagine you are paying twice (eg you now have to pay $4000 instead of $2000) because you were careless... Not cool, huh?

How did it happen? 

Well, MrHker was stupid (and he admits it). When reversing, you should not press on the accelerator, which he did. Even if you had to do so to go over a pile of snow, you do it as gently and carefully. And you check the space you are moving into as well! But did he? Did he? No he did nay.

Fortunately, the impacted pick up truck suffered minimal damage and the gentleman, who owns that car, was very understanding and kind. Somebody else could easily have gone berserk, but hats off to this person for handling this whole situation calmly and taking the details of the car insurance (it was a rental) and mr Hker's driving licence details (ah yes, he passed a few weeks before but it's not a cause for celebration when you then get into an accident...).

Lessons learnt?

When you are reversing, always check many times and focus on the space you are reversing into. Ensure there's no pedestrians and ensure you won't hit anything else

Reverse slowly. Only press the gas pedal if needed. If you have to, then press with the lightest of touch and gradually apply the pressure, as little as possible.

Distracted by other cars waiting around you while you reverse? Well, there's no reason to rush anyway. It's worse to rush into an accident rather than slowly stoking the anger of waiting drivers. They are not the ones who will have to pay double the insurance if something goes awry.