How a Humpback Whale Can Give You Advices on How To Avoid Car Accidents

This week we talked in our class to a Humpback Whale, living outside in freedom in the ocean.

The topic was related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal number 3 “Health and Well-Being”, and we had to ask the Whale about the specific target of halving by 2020 the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents.

A very interesting topic to ask a whale and you might ask yourself what a Humpback Whale might know about cars and accidents, as he has no knowledge on how to manage this, right?

Well, actually I got surprised by his wisdom and he had a lot to contribute.

This particular whale felt like a grandpa with a lot of care, very serious and concerned about his role and contribution to nature. One thing, which could be done he said, is to pay more attention to one thing at a time, i.e. to do one thing properly instead of doing 3 things the same time and doing them “wishy washy”.

Also he explained us how he is travelling huge distances at tremendous speed and that we need clear agreements on how to travel at high speed, being sensitive and aware to the environment and other beings around us at the same time. He said, a lot of humans drive with the idea, it will be enough if they only react in the said moment, they won’t have an accident. But the whales have to plan not to have an accident, plan their trip, their route, their speed, as whales don’t have the reaction time in maneuvering around situations…

Respect was also a point which the whale emphasized. Each individual needs to respect all the other individuals and recognize that we all need to go somewhere; that we will not get there quicker if we cut someone off. “Allow others to pass safely, don’t be in a hurry, be conscious, be patient”. Interaction and communication with our neighbors, walking instead of driving, not being isolated in our cars, would also contribute a lot to avoid more car accidents.

Personally, I think this whale is extremely wise and each of his words is more than true. Let’s think about his words and internalize them. I think we all could use something to improve a little here and there.

Conclusion: Plan not to have accidents, be aware, ahead of time, do not rely on your reaction, do one thing at a time and do it properly, interact and communicate more.

See more about the UN Sustainable Development Goals: http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/

August, 2017