Beyond the Collision: A Phenomenological Study of Road Accident Survivors

Road accidents remain a global safety issue. While much attention is paid to the numbers of the statistics, far less attention is given to the long-term unseen wound of psychological injury on survivors. This phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of road accident survivors, examining how the accident affects their physical, emotional, and social lives, as well as the personal struggles they continue to face in its aftermath. The study aims to understand survivors' experiences after the collision, how it disrupted their daily routines and the things they used to do, and how they worked through their recovery. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with survivors selected using criteria to capture their personal narratives. Several key themes emerged from the interviews: initial shock and disorientation, major disruptions to work and everyday activities, restricted physical mobility, changes in social relationships, and the development of coping strategies grounded in resilience and strong family support. Participants described ongoing feelings of fear, anxiety, and vulnerability, but significant numbers of victims also showed remarkable determination to regain their confidence. The research findings reveal the urgent need for trauma-informed care within communities and stronger government initiatives focused on mental health support for the victims of road accidents or even other types of accidents, as well as continued efforts in road safety. Lastly, this study supports the idea that prevention is far more effective and practical than cure, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures to reduce both the occurrence of road accidents and their lasting effects on their victims.