Speeding Truck Ramming Into Toyota Innova Crysta Shows Dangers Of Reversing On Highway (Video)

In a highly horrifying incident, a speeding truck rammed into a reversing Toyota Innova on a highway in Kundapur, Karnataka. The impact was so hard that the truck dragged the MPV along for some distance, before toppling. At least 10 people were injured in the incident. The visuals captured by a nearby CCTV and later shared on social media, show the intensity of the crash.

The Innova was returning to Kerala from Udupi. They were coming back from Kollur Devi Temple. As part of the pilgrimage, they planned to visit Kumbhashi Chandika Durgaparmeshwari Temple in Kundapur. They apparently went past the temple and having realised it, they started reversing the car. It is to be noted that the Innova was reversing on a one-way.

On one-ways, you are not allowed to reverse a vehicle. Even if you enter a one-way through the wrong road/ way, you’ll have to look for the next possible exit and then make the correct turn. It should never be the case that you reverse on a one-way. In this case, instead of reversing on the highway, the Innova should have moved forward and looked for the next possible U-turn to arrive at the temple. So, the Innova is at fault here.

On the Indian roads, it isn’t uncommon to find vehicles reversing on single-lane traffic. People usually do this by turning on the hazard lamps, thinking that doing so will make them eligible to do the reversing.

However, the truck, with a Mangalore registration plate, was speeding and could not stop in time, and crashed at high speed. Even the impact could not stop the vehicle. It dragged the MPV along and crashed into what looked like a billboard or wall nearby. The truck was transporting fish to Goa from Kerala.

Out of the 10 injured, two are reportedly in critical condition, as per PTI. The truck occupants also suffered severe injuries, and all of them were admitted to the Manipal hospital, as per the police statements. Identities of the truck occupants and those inside the Innova have not been disclosed, and a case has also been registered.

Lack of awareness?

While it’s obvious that reversing on a one-way highway is forbidden because it’s very dangerous, most people are unaware of this rule. In fact, it’s common to see people reversing on busy highways that are grade separated (a divider that divides both sides of the highway). Some even drive on the wrong side to save time and fuel. These dangerous act often lead to major accidents, leading to loss in life or limb.

Improve licensing standards!

Every rider/driver who is above 18 and eligible for a two wheeler/four wheeler license in India is required to take two tests. One is a theory test, and the other is a practical test where she/he demonstrates his driving/riding skill, or the lack of it. Inspectors from Regional Transport Office/Authority (RTO/RTA) have to sign off on both tests before the person can get the license.

This process is fraught with corruption in most RTOs across the country, leading to underqualified people getting driving licenses. Such people put everyone at risk when they hit the road with their newly minted license. Moreover, driving without license is another big issue. Urgent reform in both areas is the need of the hour. We hope the authorities wake up and do the needful.