Its a common troupe in anime for the protagonist to meet their end at the hands of a truck and then be transferred/reincarnated into another world. Also, ideas can come from anywhere and pretty much anything can have some relation with games.
As for the game, I totally agree with you. I submitted the game as I wanted to submit at least something (first game jam :D). I was planning to implemental system where you hover over people to see their details, however your idea to use visual cue sounds a lot more fun and engaging.