By Kira Hennessy

In 2012, Doug Wright was in a head-on vehicle collision resulting in horrendous injuries. Despite the severity of his injuries, his motto “never give up,” allowed him to remain positive throughout his recovery.
Doug now shares his experience and achievements with others to help them overcome their inner most fears.

This year, media network PLGRM, in association with ORICA, developed a short film “The Crash Survivor,” that focussed on the hidden victims of road accidents from the perspective of Doug’s immediate family.

The following is an infographic on the hidden victims of road accidents.

crash-victims-in-australia-doug-wright

I spoke with Doug about his experience of the hidden victims of road accidents.

In your opinion, who were the hidden victims in your accident and recovery, and how were they affected?
Your loved ones, the perpetrator (if any), hospital staff and emergency service personnel. Rehab staff, your GP and your friends who watch you go through the trauma.
They see you go from doing everything that you have been doing to what you can’t do. Emergency services see the trauma of the crash on the operating table, and your GP see’s the side of you that is stressed and going through a hard time.

How did seeing your family and friends experiencing this affect you?
Its very hard to see the people you love and care about not being able to help you overcome the pain and trauma of the ordeal, but they are there for you.

How were you able to deal with this?
I said to myself that I was alive and that I would like to do something to see if I can prevent these sorts of crashes (in the future). To talk to perpetrators of crashes and to tell them my story. You can’t do anything about the past, only learn from it. You can’t go through life thinking about what could have been. I think of what I can do with my future, how I can inspire people..

How did you grow from this?
I drive, in that I can see that I can inspire others, that life doesn’t end because you have a setback. For me, it has given me impetus to inspire others that you can do anything you put your mind to, that it doesn’t matter how old or young you are- as long as you start.

What advice would you give to others in regards to this?
Go out there and do what you have always wanted to do. Get a coach and mentor. Explore the possibilities. Take small steps- but get started!

How do you respond to seeing other victims of road accidents?
I always have empathy for road trauma victims, but it’s not the end of the road. For me, it was a wakeup call, and the kick I needed to get my life back on track.

How can you help victims of trauma?
Be there for them. Give them inspiration in what you do. See if they can join groups for whatever challenge they are having.

How do victims respond to you going over their concerns?
Most trauma victims find it hard to talk about the challenge that they face. It’s easier for me to talk to them about their challenges as I have been through it and see what they see. (I can show them) that my life hasn’t ended just because I can’t do what I used to.

“The Crash Survivor” will be screened at xyz on the xyz of December, 6pm. For tickets and enquiries contact xyz.