Video: Close call with an erratic auto rickshaw on Blore-Mysore highway

Also, I didn't immediately realise that autos are prohibited on this highway.

BHPian madhukarmohan recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Last week, I was driving from Sullia (574239) to Bengaluru. After having lunch in Mysuru, I resumed my journey on the Bengaluru-Mysuru highway. My usual speed on this highway was around 95-105 kmph. Thanks to the new AI-powered speed cameras, I kept the speed around 85-95 kmph.

After crossing Bidadi, two cars overtook me,

and 15-20 seconds later, I noticed an auto rickshaw in the right lane.

I initially treated it as just another vehicle, not immediately realizing that autos are prohibited on this highway. At 3:52:55, the auto was in the right lane, just a touch away, and by 3:52:57,

it had zipped past me, cutting sharply into the left lane.

With shock, I slammed on the brakes and moved to the left lane to increase the braking distance, coming to a stop very close to the auto. I felt a huge sigh of relief as my family was with me in the car.

Normally, I consider myself very patient, but this incident left me furious. The auto then moved back to the right lane, causing a significant traffic buildup. As I overtook them, I was shocked to see six men inside the auto—three in the front and three in the back—looking very much like goons. After overtaking, I was watching them in my rearview mirror and saw them repeatedly changing lanes and creating chaos on the road. Fortunately, the other vehicles were not travelling at high speeds.

Here is the full video of the incident.

From this experience, I would like to share a few important points:

1. Stay Alert: Highways like these can make you feel less engaged. Just half an hour before this incident, I was feeling bored driving at 80-90 km/h and thought the speed limit should be increased to 120 km/h. Now, I believe the 100 km/h limit is appropriate.
2. Expect the Unexpected: The highway is access-controlled on paper, but not in reality. Be prepared for anything you might encounter on a normal road.
3. Better Enforcement Needed: Despite significant toll collection, there should be patrols at entry and exit points to enforce restrictions more effectively (or consider closing some entry and exit points).
4. Maintain Your Vehicle: I changed my brake pads a month ago, and the old ones were almost worn out. Don't delay the replacement of critical parts, as they can be crucial in unexpected situations.

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