A privately registered Toyota Innova Crysta was traveling at about 100 km/h on a 4-lane highway in Karnataka when an unexpected situation arose. According to Cartoq in early September, the driver braked suddenly. This abrupt action caused a small, unsecured water bottle to roll and jam tightly under the brake pedal, making it impossible for the driver to apply more pressure to stop the vehicle.

This unexpected incident caused the driver to panic. Their sandal also became entangled in the same area, leading to a rapid loss of control. The vehicle crashed directly into a utility pole and a roadside tree before coming to a halt.

The car was deformed after the accident, caused by a water bottle jamming the brake pedal. *Photo: Cartoq*

The strong impact snapped the utility pole and felled the tree. The oto sustained heavy front-end damage, with the front bumper, grille, and headlight assembly completely deformed, and the side also dented. Fortunately, all airbags deployed in time, and the doors could still open normally, allowing passengers to exit with only minor injuries.

Had the vehicle struck the rear of a truck or collided head-on with another vehicle, the consequences would have been far more severe. Underriding a truck or engaging in a high-speed head-on collision often leads to severe injuries or fatalities.

The water bottle, a seemingly harmless item, was the direct cause of the incident. The fact that the bottle still contained water prevented the full depression of the brake pedal. Had it been an empty, crushed bottle, the consequences might not have been as severe.

Most modern oto models feature bottle holders in the doors or center console. However, these compartments are typically designed for larger capacity bottles (1-2 liters). Smaller bottles (200-250 ml) often do not fit snugly, making them prone to dislodging when the vehicle travels over rough roads or makes sudden turns. They can then roll into the brake or accelerator pedal area.

Experts advise that, for safety, drivers must securely fasten all water bottles within the cabin. Prioritize using adjustable cup holders or storing bottles in discreet locations to prevent them from falling onto the vehicle floor.

My Anh