A dramatic dashcam video capturing a collision between two vehicles on a busy roundabout has ignited a fiery online debate about lane discipline and road safety. The incident, which occurred on the A1159 in Southend-on-Sea on February 20, shows a blue 2009 Hyundai Comfort and a white BMW X6 entering the roundabout simultaneously from different lanes.
Moment of Impact Captured on Camera
The footage, recorded by witness Daniel Wade who was following behind, reveals the Hyundai entering the roundabout in the outside lane while the BMW proceeds on the inside lane. As both vehicles approach the first exit, the Hyundai driver signals to the right, appearing to attempt to continue around the roundabout rather than taking the exit.
However, at the second exit, the BMW collides with the side of the Hyundai, sending the blue car spinning into the middle of the roadway where it comes to rest facing oncoming traffic. The BMW initially stops briefly before appearing to accelerate away from the scene in the aftermath of the crash.
Viral Video Sparks Heated Online Arguments
The video has since been uploaded to social media platforms, where it has garnered nearly one million views and over 34,400 likes. The footage has provoked intense discussion among viewers, with many passionately arguing about which driver was at fault.
Daniel Wade, the 36-year-old witness who captured the incident, offered his perspective: 'It's a hard one, but in my opinion, it's the blue [Hyundai's fault]. Left lane is for straight on and left. The right lane is straight on and right – but should the white BMW have seen the blue Hyundai?'
Wade noted that reaction time wasn't a significant factor given the low speeds involved, but emphasized that 'the crash then caused accidents from people seeing the blue Hyundai facing the wrong way.'
Conflicting Opinions on Lane Usage
The online debate has revealed widespread confusion about proper roundabout lane discipline:
- One social media user argued: 'The blue car is in the right lane but the BMW is in the wrong lane and without indicating.'
- Another commented: 'It's worrying how many people are saying the BMW.'
- A third observer noted: 'Both of them were in the wrong lanes,' while a fourth added pointedly: 'Since when has the right hand lane been for left turning?'
The incident highlights ongoing confusion among drivers about proper lane selection on roundabouts, with many social media users expressing concern about the apparent lack of understanding demonstrated by both drivers involved in the collision.
Road safety experts frequently emphasize that correct lane positioning is crucial for roundabout safety, with the general rule being that drivers should use the left lane for turning left or going straight ahead, and the right lane for turning right or going straight ahead when multiple lanes are available. However, as this viral video demonstrates, real-world application of these rules often leads to confusion and dangerous situations.
