Dash cam video splits the internet as driver makes an ill-fated attempt to squeeze into a lane – but who do you think was wrong?
- Dash cam of collision on Sydney’s Hume Highway splits opinions
- Gold Volkswagen was caught crossing two lanes to merge into the left lane
- Tarago accelerated to prevent Volkswagen from getting ahead as the cars made contact
A debate has erupted online over which driver was responsible for a prang on one of Sydney’s busiest streets.
Opinion is divided over dashcam video that captured a Volkswagen driver’s costly attempt to maneuver into a lane in front of a Tarago station wagon.
Footage captured this week along the Hume Highway in Yagoona, south-west Sydney, shows the gold VW in the far right lane crossing two lanes, indicating it intends to merge into the left lane.
An approaching black station wagon in the left lane accelerates to prevent the VW from colliding in front of them as the two vehicles touch.
Dashcam shows Volkswagen driver’s turn signal signaling intention to move to left lane on Hume Highway
The footage has garnered nearly 100,000 views within hours on Dash Cam Owners Australia’s Facebook page, with hundreds debating who caused the collision.
opinion poll
Which driver is wrong?
- Gold Volkswagen 197 votes
- Black Tarago station wagon 348 votes
- Both drivers were at fault with 165 votes
Many viewers believed the VW driver was wrong.
“If you intend to change two lanes at once, the usual practice would be to signal first, then change lanes when it is safe to do so, then turn off the turn signals and then count to three and apply the turn signals again and when it is safe to do so to switch lanes,” wrote one man.
Another added: “Just because someone has their turn signal on doesn’t mean they have the right of way. It is their responsibility to safely merge/change lanes. The van really didn’t even have time to avoid the accident.’
But others argued the collision would have been avoided if the station wagon driver had let the VW in.
“The black car seemed determined to get its right of way. It’s obvious that he accelerated on purpose to achieve that. In his place, I would have just slowed down to avoid an accident. Now her damage is on both cars,” one wrote.
Another added: “This accident could have been avoided if the driver of the black vehicle hadn’t had an ego the size of Alaska and decided to go faster.”
But the driver of the black Tarago station wagon accelerates as the two vehicles are swept sideways
But many others thought both drivers were as bad as the others.
“Isn’t there a rule of the road that you must take every possible measure to avoid a collision? Both drivers deserve a fine here. There can be two mistakes!
Another added; “Play silly games and win silly prizes. There’s actually a good auto repair shop just around the corner,” wrote one.
A viewer saw the funny side by reciting the lyrics of a classic INXS song.
‘You were there… Two worlds collided and they could never tear us apart.’
Another, who spotted fast food outlets in the film, quipped, “Um…did someone say KFC?”
When changing lanes, NSW Roads Law requires drivers to give way to vehicles in the lane they are moving into.
“You have to display to let others know if you want to switch lanes. Make sure your turn signal is off after merging or changing lanes,” the laws said.
Online viewers were divided as to whether Tarago (left) or Volkswagen drivers were to blame