Auto-rickshaws are perhaps one of the most important modes of transportation for many Indians. In a bustling metropolitan city like Mumbai or Delhi, the auto-rickshaw (simply called ‘auto’) serves a vital purpose for those who prefer a quick and relatively (compared to buses) more private mode of public transportation. Autos tend to be quicker, for the most part, not because they have a million horsepower, but due to their lightweight construction and relatively diminutive sizes, especially when put next to buses. Yes, autos are more expensive to travel in than buses, but some of their previously mentioned positives outweigh these cons.
However, looming large (ah! the irony) over their diminutive sizes is the matter of safety. By now, most of us realise that an auto-rickshaw isn’t the best place to be in, if (may the almighty forbid) you were to meet with an accident. There have been numerous controversies thrown back and forth between the manufacturers of these vehicles and some very concerned citizens when occupant safety of these critters is brought into question. To begin with, the three-wheeled setup of auto-rickshaws – one wheel at the front and two at the rear, isn’t a very brilliant one. Such setup gives rise to an inherent safety issue right from the word go, especially when the vehicle’s stability is concerned, regardless of its momentum.
Doesn’t appear very strong this machine, does it?
Accidents involving auto-rickshaws aren’t uncommon; in fact, you can find them being involved in some or the other mishap every once in a while. Most of these ‘mishaps’ are usually of a small scale and more often than not, these result the auto-rickshaw involved getting a few scratches. However, what Motoroids witnessed today (July 16, 2015) brought back into our notice, the peril involved in travelling in an auto-rickshaw. Also, this incident happened right near our office which is in the suburbs of Mulund, Mumbai. We weren’t personally present at the time of the accident, but managed to collect the information through several eyewitnesses. The pictures speak for themselves, though the events leading up to this crash is just as crucial to understand what transpired.
The accident took place at 9 am and at a roundabout. According to eyewitnesses, the fateful auto involved in this accident was carrying two passengers and the whole mishap involves a rogue biker; who, according to the witnesses, was the primary cause of this accident. The auto was on a road that passes the roundabout, and was to continue straight ahead. Coming the other way was a motorcyclist who, unbeknownst to the auto driver, wanted to take a turn at the roundabout. However, we were told that the biker was approaching at a brisk pace, and the rider didn’t even put on his turn indicators. Had he done so, the auto driver would have been alerted about his intentions to turn. Anyway, the bike took an abrupt right turn even before he reached the roundabout. This put him and the approaching auto on an imminent collision course. As the three-wheeler closed in on the two-wheeler, the driver of the former soon realised that at their current closing speed, neither would be able to avoid the collision. If the auto had ploughed head-on into the motorcycle, the rider would have possibly suffered grave injuries.
The collision spot
As you can see, there’s barely any space between the driver’s seat and the impact zone
The windscreen the driver hit can be seen clearly
To avoid the more catastrophic outcome, the auto driver turned his vehicle sharply to the left. However, given the fact that these three-wheelers aren’t very stable, his avoidance manoeuvre was restricted by what his vehicle could sustain. Despite that, he narrowly missed the rider, but his gesture lead the rickshaw on a collision course with the concrete barrier that makes up the centre of the roundabout. The front right side of the auto impacted and immediately gave in. The impact was forceful enough to break a significant portion of the concrete structure. As you can see in the pictures, the driver’s leg would have been in the very place where the metal caved in.
The rickshaw driver suffered serious injuries
Chilling reminder of how little these vehicles can withstand
We were told that he suffered from some injuries to his leg, though as you can see, the windscreen is missing. That’s because it came right off and the driver hit this piece of glass; resulting in significant injuries to his face/head. One of the passengers too suffered injuries to his shoulder and was taken to a hospital along with the seriously injured auto driver. In the meanwhile, the rider was taken to a local police station to be questioned. As you can see, there are some bloodied remnants of the accident. Try placing yourself in the shoes of these passengers.
No matter whose fault this was, would you think twice before stepping inside an auto-rickshaw the next time? Let us know of your opinions/thoughts in the comments section below.
This is wat happend today at andheri