Stray cattle and dogs have long been a persistent problem on India’s roads, posing a threat to both motorists and the animals themselves. Countless accidents have occurred as a result, highlighting the urgent need for a solution. In a recent incident on a busy highway in Karnataka, a Kia Seltos collided with a buffalo, underscoring just how dangerous these encounters can be.
A dashboard camera captured the shocking moment as it unfolded. The Kia Seltos was traveling at about 70 mph in the right lane with its high beams on. Suddenly, a buffalo appeared out of nowhere, leaving the driver with limited options. Despite attempts to brake, the car’s high speed made it difficult to regain control, resulting in a catastrophic collision with the buffalo. While the aftermath of the crash was not captured, the owner reported that the vehicle lost control and rolled several times before going off the road.
Photographs of the wreckage show the devastation of the accident, with severe damage to the pillars and roof. Miraculously, no injuries were reported and all passengers were wearing seat belts. However, the driver of the Seltos, an experienced individual with over 8 lakh km of driving experience in India, attributed the incident to the obstruction caused by the car’s headlights, which limited visibility.
The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing problem of stray cattle on Indian highways. While attempts have been made in the past, such as attaching reflective tape to cattle horns to increase visibility, these efforts have not been sustained or expanded. As a result, motorists are left to navigate potential hazards with little support or preventative measures in place.
To stay safe on Indian roads, it is crucial for drivers to adopt a defensive driving approach and exercise caution when overtaking. Understanding the road ahead and avoiding reckless overtaking can greatly reduce the risk of serious accidents. While it may not be possible to prevent such incidents altogether, drivers can consider traveling during daylight hours for better visibility or reducing their speed to allow for more reaction time in unpredictable situations.
