Pathanamthitta Collector Survives Horrific Car Crash, Attributes Safety to Seat Belt
In a dramatic incident that underscores the critical importance of road safety, Pathanamthitta District Collector Prem Krishnan S narrowly escaped serious injuries after his official vehicle was involved in a terrifying accident. The collector revealed on Sunday that he owes his safety to one simple yet vital precaution: wearing his seat belt.
Details of the Terrifying Collision Near Konni
The accident occurred on Friday near Konni when a private car, reportedly traveling at high speed, entered the wrong lane while attempting to overtake multiple vehicles. According to Collector Krishnan, the offending vehicle collided head-on with his official car, which was correctly moving in its designated lane.
"We were correctly moving in our lane, but the other vehicle came head-on towards us on the wrong side," Krishnan stated. "Even though my driver tried to swerve away, the other car hit ours and flipped it over."
How the Seat Belt Proved to Be a Lifesaver
Krishnan, who was sitting in the back of the vehicle, emphasized that wearing his seat belt prevented him from being thrown around inside the car during the violent overturn. "As I was wearing the seat belt, I was not thrown around inside the car. It saved me," he said.
The collector further explained that the seat belt not only protected him during the impact but also facilitated his rescue. "It was also easy for the locals to pull me out of the vehicle as I was wearing the seat belt," he added, highlighting an often-overlooked benefit of proper restraint use.
Injuries Sustained and Legal Action Taken
While the collector, his security officer, and the driver all sustained injuries in the crash, none were serious thanks to their adherence to seat belt safety. All three were wearing seat belts at the time of the accident.
Police confirmed that all four occupants of the private vehicle also sustained injuries in the collision. Authorities have registered a case of rash and negligent driving against the driver of the offending vehicle, underscoring the legal consequences of dangerous driving behavior.
A Powerful Reminder About Road Safety
This incident serves as a stark reminder of how crucial seat belts are in preventing serious injuries during road accidents. Collector Krishnan's experience demonstrates that even high-ranking officials are not immune to road hazards, and basic safety measures can make the difference between life and death.
The accident near Konni has drawn attention to the ongoing issues of reckless driving and lane discipline violations on Indian roads. As investigations continue, this case highlights the need for stricter enforcement of traffic rules and greater public awareness about road safety practices.
