Firstly, I would like to apologize for not writing last week. I had nothing that felt worthy of posting, so I decided to remain silent.
This week, however, I have something very important to share with you.
The Story
I left Moncton NB as rain was falling. By the time I hit the highway, it turned to snow. By the time I arrived in Shediac, let's just say I wish I was driving a tank. Road conditions weren't extremely bad, but with the ice building underneath the snow-packed pavement, it was getting dangerous.
Smartest decision of my life? Instead of taking highway 11 North to make it home, I decide to take road 133 / 134. That way, if I were to swerve out of control, it hopefully wouldn't be head-on into fast-driving traffic on the highway.
Driving through 133 was fine, but as soon as I passed onto 134, I got a weird feeling in my gut. Suddenly, I was feeling nervous.
Still driving in a straight line, a light comes on - I'm skidding. Trying desperately to regain control, I can feel my car sliding to the right although my wheels are locked to the left. Nothing to do, so I brace for impact.
And boys, did I get my money's worth!!
Bounced off the snow, spun to the left, and before I know if, my car is flipped to it's side in the middle of the road.
Thank you VW!
Now, at this precise moment, I somehow feel in complete control, not panicking ...until I realize I'm sideways in the middle of the road during a snow storm!
What's the first thing that comes to mind? THIS TV commercial I saw a couple of years back.
What were the first 4 things I did, in order, within the first 15 seconds of being trapped in my car?
1. Stopped the car (it would've damaged my engine if I had not)
2. Unlocked my doors (if I pass out, always nice to make sure people can get into the car)
3. Turned on my hazard lights (hoping I don't get slammed into by a passing car)
4. Called 911 (stupid phone has no signal - SERIOUSLY!?)
Might seem like common sense, but I guarantee you that I would have never thought of that in a million years if I had never seen the commercial.
For me, I was very lucky in my bad luck - the proof is that I'm writing this right now.
After less than a minute, a car pulled up and a ma climbed through the passenger door to help me get my seat belt off and pulled me out of the car to make sure I didn't get hit by a passing vehicle. Doesn't seem like much, but when he climbed into the car it started rolling upside down towards the ditch, but he never thought about it twice and got me out of there faster than I could grab my jacket (which kinda sucked, since I then froze my butt off for the next hour...).
To that man whom I forget his name (I guess the nerves got to me) and his girlfriend who was on the phone calling 911, thank you for stopping in the freezing cold to help me.
To the woman who pulled up next to make sure I was alright, and that her car wouldn't start afterwards (no good deed goes unpunished), a shout out to you as well!
And finally, to Volkswagen for making this commercial. I spoke about responsible marketing a couple weeks back, and I'd be damned if this isn't a great example. They're flaunting their car while helping others, and for that I thank you!
Please share this with your friends and family, as I can say first-hand that a crash happens without warning, and I am forever grateful of seeing this TV Ad - it can literally save your life!
Tweet
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pierre Babineau is an MBA graduate from Laval University. Currently working as an Industrial Marketing Advisor at FPInnovations, he has worked in Canada, USA, South Africa and India in numerous positions such as International Development Agent, Head of Trade Mission, Director of Internet Marketing and an Independent Consultant for various companies.
You can reach Pierre Babineau on Twitter, LinkedIn or on his personal website.
Follow @pierrebab
