A Scary Wildlife Collision on the Open Road
As India’s road network continues to expand, many new highways and expressways wind through sparsely populated areas, often leading to unexpected encounters with wildlife. In a recent incident on the newly inaugurated Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, a Tata Altroz had a startling collision with a Nilgai, providing a glimpse into the unpredictable nature of Indian roadways.
High-Speed Wildlife Encounter
The dramatic incident was captured on the dashboard camera of a Tata Altroz. The video shows the Altroz cruising in the right-most lane of the 12-lane expressway at a brisk pace. It appears that the car was maintaining a speed of 120 km/h, which is the legal limit on this expressway.
Unexpected Collision
Suddenly, out of nowhere, a Nilgai, or Blue Buck, emerges from the right-hand side of the road and collides with the Altroz. The impact causes the car to swerve and lose control briefly, but the skilled driver manages to regain control and continue driving.
Fear of Local Reaction
The vehicle’s owner, who shared the video, mentions that he did not stop on the highway after the incident due to concerns about the potential reaction from locals. He also shows the visible damage caused by the collision later in the video.
Damage and Lucky Escape
The powerful Nilgai left a considerable impact on the Tata Altroz. Both doors and the fender sustained significant damage in the collision. Fortunately, the driver, who was alone in the car at the time of the incident, emerged unharmed. The owner wisely stopped the vehicle and called highway patrol, who then towed the car to the service station for repairs.
Altroz: A Safe Hatchback
The Tata Altroz had achieved the coveted five-star safety rating from Global NCAP shortly after its launch, becoming one of India’s safest cars. However, it was eventually surpassed in terms of safety by the Mahindra XUV300, which achieved even higher scores. While the Altroz maintains its five-star rating, it’s essential to note that other cars have since excelled in safety ratings, and testing protocols have been updated.
Wildlife Hazards on Indian Roads
Stray animals, including wild animals, stray dogs, and cattle, pose a significant concern on many Indian highways. Unfortunately, limited measures have been taken to mitigate these road hazards. While some innovative steps, like attaching reflective tape to the horns of stray cattle, have been taken in the past to enhance visibility at night, the issue persists.
Defensive Driving Is Key
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of defensive driving on Indian roads. Motorists are encouraged to exercise caution, be aware of their surroundings, and ensure that the road ahead is clear before attempting overtaking maneuvers. Reckless overtaking can lead to serious accidents, especially on India’s unpredictable roadways where wildlife encounters are not uncommon.
Stay Safe on the Road
In a land as diverse and dynamic as India, it’s essential for drivers to stay vigilant and adapt to the unique challenges presented by the roads. While this incident involving the Tata Altroz showcases the unpredictability of wildlife encounters, safe and responsible driving practices can help mitigate risks and ensure a safer journey for all.
