Driver’s Harrowing Encounter with Auto Rickshaw on Bengaluru-Mysuru Highway

Last week, a driver experienced a terrifying incident while traveling from Sullia (574239) to Bengaluru. After having lunch in Mysuru, he resumed his journey on the Bengaluru-Mysuru highway, maintaining a speed of around 85-95 kmph due to new AI-powered speed cameras.

After crossing Bidadi, two cars overtook him. Moments later, at 3:52:55, he noticed an auto rickshaw in the right lane, a surprising sight since autos are prohibited on this highway. The auto rickshaw swiftly moved into the left lane, cutting sharply across his path at 3:52:57. The driver slammed on the brakes, maneuvering into the left lane to increase braking distance and narrowly avoiding a collision, all while his family was in the car.

The driver, usually patient, was left furious by this dangerous maneuver. As he overtook the auto rickshaw, he saw six men inside—three in the front and three in the back—causing further chaos by repeatedly changing lanes. Fortunately, the other vehicles were not traveling at high speeds, preventing further incidents.

Reflecting on this experience, the driver shared several important points:

1. Stay Alert: Highways can create a false sense of security. Just before the incident, he felt bored driving at 80-90 km/h and believed the speed limit should be increased to 120 km/h. Now, he appreciates the 100 km/h limit as appropriate.
2. Expect the Unexpected: Despite being access-controlled on paper, highways can still present unexpected hazards. Drivers must be prepared for anything they might encounter.
3. Better Enforcement Needed: Despite significant toll collection, there should be better patrols at entry and exit points to enforce restrictions more effectively or consider closing some entry and exit points.
4. Maintain Your Vehicle: The driver had recently changed his brake pads, which were almost worn out. He emphasizes the importance of timely replacement of critical parts, as they can be crucial in unexpected situations.

This incident underscores the need for vigilance, proper enforcement, and vehicle maintenance to ensure safety on the roads.