Marcus Moloko
What would you do?
Social media timelines were filled with reactions on Wednesday after footage of a Kia driver’s ill-fated attempt to dodge an oncoming minibus taxi, which ultimately crashed into the KIA, trended.
The video has re-ignited debate about road vigilance, defensive driving, and the curious human instinct to reverse into chaos rather than steer clear of it.
The clip, shared widely on X (formerly Twitter), shows the Kia positioned at a busy urban intersection.
Suddenly, a minibus barrels forward, seemingly ignoring either a no‑entry sign or a red light. In what could have been a moment of evasive brilliance, the Kia driver instead attempts to reverse. The result? A front‑on collision, crumpled bonnets, and the unmistakable soundtrack of shattering glass.
Commentators online wasted no time in turning the incident into a digital roast. “This Kia driver thought reverse was a superhero move,” one user quipped, while another joked, “If slow motion had a brand ambassador, it would be this guy.”
Yet beneath the humour lies a serious critique: South African drivers are increasingly frustrated by poor situational awareness at intersections, where seconds can mean the difference between a clean escape and a costly crash.
Reviewing the footage, the Kia had a window to swerve left or accelerate forward into a safer lane.
Instead, the driver’s delayed reaction and choice to reverse placed them directly in harm’s way.
South African X users echoed this sentiment, overwhelmingly blaming the Kia for sluggish reflexes. Many argued that the driver seemed startled rather than decisive, highlighting a broader issue: too many motorists freeze when confronted with sudden hazards.
No injuries were reported.
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