The other day I was driving and had a minor accident. As a result the left rear view mirror is denuded and without a cap. It must have been my fault right? After all I am a woman driver.
I was waiting at a signal at the right extreme on the road with no more space to my right. As the signal turned green and we started throttling up to move on, this huge white van rammed into my left mirror which is hinged and it snapped shut with ferocity. I stared at the van as it drove past feigning ignorance. Really, what could I do? Chase after him brake in front of his vehicle and get out flexing muscles? Besides at that point I only thought the mirror had snapped close. Only later did I see the extent of damage inflicted. By that time, the van was a distant memory. So many instances have I experienced when vehicles have brushed past scrapping denting ramming nudging and yet they never stopped. And mind you it was never a woman driver whom I confronted. And I wonder if I ever did anything like that I am sure I wouldn’t be allowed to get away with it. A major crash and everyone rushes in to help or join the heated exchange of blames. In fact the locals take over the dispute. The escape is blocked. The victim is given reassurance. But these minor brushes are almost always over looked. No one bothers. The victim pays.
So I drive with a bruised car and I swear it’s not been my fault most times. If you are in Kozhikkode and see a scratched pink Estilo, its probably yours truly.