DAMIAN Sumner knows more than most the impact of road trauma, and the life-altering experience that comes with it.
Whilst riding his motorcycle (safely and with all the precautions) along South Gippsland Highway in 2008, two days out from the MotoGP, Damian’s life changed when a vehicle pulled out from Sybella Avenue in Koo Wee Rup and failed to give way.
Returning home to Cowes at the time, Damian was left with months of surgeries and years of rehabilitation for a crash that can only be described as catastrophic.
“I am extremely grateful to be where I am at,” Damian explained, noting some people describe his survival and recovery as a miracle.
“People can’t tell (by looking at me), but internally there is lots of titanium. We are lucky to have the medical system we have – they operated and put me back together.”
Sixteen years on, walking is still a challenge for the Grantville resident. Some days are easier than others, but he’s walking after spending time in a wheelchair; others are not so lucky.
“I can use my arms; I don’t have any spinal injuries and I was relatively young.
“But I was climbing mountains before it happened.”
Before the crash, Damian lived an active life. He worked as an intern with Outward Bound Australia following his transition from the Army, where he served as a Unit Adventurous Training Leader. His time in the military saw him deployed overseas with Rifle Company Butterworth in Malaysia and on missions to East Timor and Iraq.
Today, Damian is a School Crossing Supervisor in Lang Lang and an active veteran, involved with the Bass Friends of the RSL. He also volunteers at the National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM), formerly at the front desk and now taking guided tours with school groups.
“It keeps me in touch (with my military background). I didn’t serve in Vietnam, but much of it is the same equipment we used.
“I’ve had many different jobs since recovering and leaving the army, but it is difficult to fit in. You can’t take the military out of you, that’s why the crossing suits me – this is your job, go and do this. I’ve been doing it for the last five-six years.”
Although positive and accepting, life for Damian will never be the same.
One of the greatest challenges Damian now faces is getting back behind the wheel of a vehicle.
“Before the accident, I drove lots – multiple times during my military career between Melbourne and Queensland. Last year, I drove to Adelaide and back by myself. It was the longest trip since the accident, and there was lots of anxiety.
“I don’t like getting in the car to Melbourne.
“I see that it is not safe, and I don’t feel safe.”
Damian also highlighted the unsung heroes – the support team who are often overlooked and undervalued.
“I had a wonderful support network in my family and friends. My wife, we were married after (the crash), stood by me the whole time, she’s very supportive and I am very blessed to have her; we cannot underestimate the silent victims.”
The silent victims of road trauma – the family, the friends, the first responders, the communities, the witnesses. Those who also live with the after-effects.
Sharing his experience and volunteering through Amber Community, Damian hopes he will save one life.
“I’m not in it for me. It’s purely to make a difference.
“The biggest part of the problem is that people think it is their god-given right to be behind the wheel of a vehicle. Most people haven’t had experience with road trauma.
“I come across different people (in the seminars through Amber Community) and most are quite surprised by my story.
“Significant trauma survivors often speak with slurs or have significant facial injuries (or movement disabilities). People cannot tell. I appreciate all the medical team who did what they did to get me through, but I didn’t come out unscathed.”
Drugs and alcohol, distracted drivers, fatigue, animals crossing the roads, poor quality and deteriorating roads, the weather. You may be able to control your actions and choices before you step behind the wheel of a vehicle, but you cannot control those of the millions of drivers around Australia.
“I made the decision that day to ride that bike, it comes down to choices.
“But whatever you think you do (to stay safe on the road) is not enough to keep you safe.
“You can’t sugarcoat road trauma.”