I was travelling from Chennai to Bangalore on 5th Oct 2022 after a good vacation of five days. Delighted by the very thought of propelling my VENTO TDI 1.6. Tanked up Diesel at BP COCO Ambattur and started my journey towards Bangalore by 5pm
Here comes the horror. As I crossed Chennasamudram Toll Plaza, Walajapet, I gradually picked up pace and maintained speed between 90 and 100Kmph, it’s a six-lane highway and I was on the middle lane. I saw a dog running towards the median, at that point there were few vehicles behind on the right lane and could see bright head lights on the IRVM, so sure few more vehicles behind.
I thought the dog will cross the road but much to my surprise, it jumped back and started running straight to my car. Impact is imminent, and I did not react except lifting the foot off the accelerator.
I heard a loud bang in the middle section, and I could still hear the dog rolling underneath for 2 to 3 seconds. Since the IRVM was in dimmer position and dark outside, I couldn’t see what happened to the dog, but I felt sorry for the dog, entire event happened within 5 seconds.
What next
I saw the coil LED flashing and lost acceleration, car was doing around 70kmph. Turned on the left indicator to pull over to a safe place, luckily I could pull up to a fuel station around 300 meters from the site of impact.
Got out of the car and looked at the bumper and below, saw coolant flowing out and multiple cracks on the front bumper. Anxiety level was raising as I am being stranded on the highway with family, unfortunately yes it did happen.
It was around 8PM and I was looking for a bare minimum fix to drive the car up to Bangalore but in vain. I already prepared my mind to tow and called a nearby towing agent, found from google.
Usha Ravi Recovery Service in Vellore, Towing service in Vellore, Tamil Audiphone: 094870 87407, Address: Accident Recovery & Towing Service in, No 1, Old Bypass Rd, near Ambiga Petrol Bunk, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632004
Meanwhile, I met a local resident Mr Kumaran who was passing by the fuel station, told him about the situation, he knew few local garages within 2 Km radius.
I went with him on his bike, but most of the garages were closed except one “MANI AUTOMOBILS” and they agreed to come along with coolant and toolkit. However, after looking inside the bonnet they suspected multiple damages and asked us to drive up to the garage, it was around 1 ˝ km away from the spot. Drove the car at 30kmph and reached the garage
Upon inspection, found the following damages – Radiator cracked, stand holding the radiator broke and the pipe going to AC was cut, its already past 9:30PM. They don’t have spares on hand, and I was told it’ll take at least a day to fix the issue, but they were kind enough to come along and inspect the vehicle even at closing time.
I called the towing agent again and asked them to reach the garage ASAP, shared location. I also requested Mr Kumaran to call a known/trusted Cab, he managed to arrange a cab quickly, both the towing vehicle and cab arrived at the garage by 11:30pm. Shifted the luggage, ramped up the car and handed over the keys to towing agent, told them to tow till Apple auto VW , B Narayanapura. KR Puram, Bangalore.
Thanked Mr Kumaran who helped to find a Garage and a trusted Cab. Special Thanks to the Garage owner and the crew far staying with us until the Cab arrived.
We reached home safety by 3:30am, cab took us through Chittoor route and the towing vehicle reached apple auto by 6:00am. I was already at the service station and informed security about the incident, parked the Car inside the gate, came back home and I went back by 10am. Met the SA, submitted insurance Claim forms and completed other formalities. I was told it’ll take another two more weeks to see my buddy again.
Time to reflect
I was keep thinking, what should I have done differently to prevent this incident? though I had few seconds to react, but my mind went blank. May be this was the right decision considering the fast-moving vehicles around, but I couldn’t convince myself.
Not sure if vehicles equipped with ADAS would have made a difference?
Well, still couldn’t believe it happened and the unexpected expenses so far and I’m aware of eye watering service bills ahead. However, thanked God for getting us home with no other safety and security issues.
Drive safe - Vino