A dashcam video making the rounds online has sparked fresh debate around reckless driving and the importance of obeying traffic lights, especially at intersections.
The footage, recorded from a truck’s cab camera, shows a collision that took place at a traffic light-controlled intersection. About 20 seconds before the truck arrives at the intersection, the traffic light clearly turns green in its favour.
As the heavy vehicle continues its approach at a steady pace, another vehicle – a white Mercedes-Benz sedan – comes into frame from the right.
Initially, the Mercedes driver stops at their red light, seemingly obeying the signal. But in a shocking and reckless move, the driver decides to ignore the red and proceeds into the intersection right as the truck is about to cross.
The trucker, who has very little time to react, swerves to the right in a desperate attempt to avoid impact. Unfortunately, the effort is not enough. The truck clips the Mercedes on the rear right-hand side, sending both vehicles into chaos.
Watch: CCTV Footage Shows Fatal Hartswater Crash as Driver Ignores Stop Sign
The truck then veers across into the opposite lane, narrowly avoiding further disaster, thanks only to the absence of oncoming traffic at the time as it was around midnight.
Miraculously, the driver of the Mercedes survived the crash, though they sustained injuries.
This crash could have easily been a lot worse. The video is a powerful reminder of why robots (traffic lights) are there, to protect all road users. It also highlights the incredibly limited reaction time truckers have in high-risk situations, especially when other drivers disobey basic rules.
Watch the full dashcam video below and let us know what you think. Was the truck going too fast or was this entirely the Mercedes driver’s fault? Drop your thoughts in the comments.
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