While waiting at a red light, a white car unexpectedly reversed sharply, colliding with the vehicle stopped behind it. The car door opened, and a woman exited, asking the male driver behind, "How are you driving?" unaware that she had reversed into the car.
The woman then drove forward with the rear driver's side door still open. Both drivers stopped to negotiate compensation for a considerable time, causing further congestion on the already busy road.
Driving Skills
The female driver demonstrated poor situational awareness and spatial perception. Her vehicle was clearly in reverse gear, indicated by the illuminated reverse lights, not simply rolling while in neutral or drive.
According to experts from Car Awards, many drivers commonly shift into neutral or park when stopped at a red light, then release the brake pedal. However, on the gear selector, reverse gear is often positioned between these two, leading to numerous instances where drivers accidentally engage reverse while stopped. Subsequently, drivers release the brake, become distracted, and do not observe their surroundings, thus not realizing their vehicle is reversing.
Therefore, when stopped at a red light, regardless of whether the vehicle is in drive, neutral, or park, drivers must always maintain focus, keep their foot on the brake, minimize distractions, and monitor traffic lights and the surrounding traffic flow.
Furthermore, drivers should always maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead when stopped at a red light. This distance provides sufficient reaction time, such as honking the horn or steering to evade, should the car in front unexpectedly roll or reverse.
When an incident occurs, remain calm. Before opening the door to engage in a dispute, check the dashboard to confirm which gear your vehicle is in. If a dashcam is present, quickly review the footage to accurately determine who is at fault. Before stepping out of the car, shift into park, engage the handbrake, and turn off the engine. A vehicle should not be moved if another door is open.
Nguyen Vu
