Jon McWilliam’s life changed forever when he lost control of a work ute, crashing into a tree.
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In the back of the ute, an unsecured toolbox became a missile, smashing through the back window and pinning Mr McWilliam’s head to the steering wheel. He was only 18 years old.
After four weeks in a coma, Mr McWilliam woke up in a hospital room. He asked the nurse to get rid of the strange woman sitting next to him. It was his mother, who had stayed at his side throughout the coma, but of whom he had no memory.
Mr McWilliam had a brain injury and was unable to go back to work as a diesel mechanic as all of his training and TAFE courses were forgotten. However, he found a new way to contribute to the world.
If I can save even one life then I’ve done my job
- Jon McWilliam
Mr McWilliam talks to school students as part of the Rotary Youth Driver Awareness (RYDA) program and shares how his accident changed his life.
“I’m a walking consequence of a car accident,” Mr McWilliam said. “My injury will be with me for the rest of my life.”
About 2500 students from the area will hear Mr McWilliam’s story at Yanco Agricultural College later this month. Police, ambulance and firefighters will be in attendance, delivering talks to the students in other workshops on topics like hazards and distractions. Students will also be shown how speed and the ability to slow down to avoid a collision or pedestrian is crucial.
“They really seem to get the message,” Mr McWilliam said. “In a split-second your life can change. If I can save even one life then I’ve done my job.”
Mr McWilliam said young L and P plate drivers were particularly at risk.
“I want to put it out there that driving is a risk,” he said. “I tell them to be aware of the accidents that can happen – and to be aware of the driver’s capability."
Seventeen years on from his accident, Mr McWilliam needed help from carers for daily living.
“I don’t have a lot of independence,” Mr McWilliam said. “But I love doing the talks. I ask them what would happen if they were in an accident and had a loved one in the car with them.”
Mr McWilliam will also deliver his talk to people taking a traffic offenders course at Griffith PCYC this year.
