Speeding isn’t Worth a Life: A Passenger’s Plea

It took me more than a week to write about a road accident that took place between Sechu (Zubza) and Kiruphema/Peducha around 1:00 pm on 28th August, 2025, as I was recovering from injuries sustained and also gather strength to write in good faith and spirit. This write-up is neither to target nor tarnish anyone, but to share about the incident, as we did not report or file any complaint to the concerned authority, nor such thought came to my mind as the priority at the moment was survival and emergency medical aid.

In the morning of August 28, around 6:00 am, I along with my wife and my sister set out on our journey from Purul village in Senapati to Guwahati for medical treatment, as recommended the doctor at a Primary Health Centre. Amid unpredictable weather, which is not uncommon during this time of the year, coupled with poor road condition and landslides at several locations, resulting in road diversions at regular intervals, we embarked on an unusual journey from station to station (Maram-Mao-Kohima-Dimapur) to catch a train in Dimapur, though there are direct bus services from Manipur to Guwahati.

When we reached ISBT approach road in Kohima to find a Dimapur taxi, a young driver said “Dimapur! Dimapur! I am leaving immediately with any number of passenger” (in Nagamese). So, we (three of us) boarded the taxi (Maruti Suzuki Eeco), as we wanted to reach Dimapur railway station early, so that we can have some rest before heading to Guwahati. However, between the ISBT junction and Jotsoma by-pass, he picked up three more passengers after halting the approaching local taxis which ware heading towards ISBT, taking the total passengers to six. As we proceeded, he called up someone (maybe another taxi) on the phone, saying, ‘My vehicle is full and I am already on the way. You also get 2-3 passengers and try to pick more on the way. You will not get a chance at the station since you are late (in Nagamese).’  

During the journey, he overtook several vehicles. I sensed that he was exceeding the speed limit. My intuition was to advice him to slow down but my conscience held me back, as some drivers would react negatively and drive even faster, so I remain silent. As the taxi picked up even more speed, causing it to wobble and sway side to side, it was obvious that he over-speeding. I could sense that the wheels on either side were suspended in the air, off the road. But before we could say a word, the van overturned and skidded with great force. The next moment, I heard my wife crying out “Come out of the vehicle!” I didn’t know how she got out unharmed. I tried to regain my sense and strength to crawl out but I was too weak and was having breathing problem as I was severely hit on the chest and shoulder. I saw my sister lying beside me in deep pain. I don’t exactly remember how I got out; all I know was sitting beside the road holding my chest. For a moment, it felt like an unpleasant dream and illusion. Vehicles travelling to and from Dimapur halted to assist us, enquiring about our condition and comforting us, which gave us strength and confidence. Heavy downpour confused us whether to go ahead or return to Kohima, but we decided to proceed to Dimapur as planned.

Yes, it was divine providence that saved us. Fortunately, the road was straight and wide, allowing the van to avoid colliding with the road divider or the wall. Had it not been for these conditions, the impact could have been fatal at that speed and force. And the unfortunate accident led my sister to vow never to travel in an Eeco Van or to take that road again. Such occurrences can happen any day, anywhere, and to anyone. It happened to us on that fateful day. It also made me ask how and why the accident happened. There may not be a definite answer but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) data indicates that nearly 94% of road accident is caused by human error. And yes, the August 28 accident also points to human error.

To conclude, I am thankful to Almighty God for saving our lives (six passengers along with the driver) that fateful day. Unfortunately, I am unaware of the condition of the driver and the other three passengers, as we were all injured and evacuated by Good Samaritans. I wish them speedy recovery and extend my heartfelt consolation to their families, and a big thanks to all the Good Samaritans. My sincere thanks to a Yimkhiung lady, who dropped us at Dimapur, and the TRS Tours & Travels, Chümoukedima, for the courtesy call, enquiring about our condition and wishing us a speedy recovery.

Last but not the least, a piece of advice to all drivers: “Do not compromise lives for the sake of an extra trip or a few hundred rupees”. And to all daily commuters and passengers:

“Do not hesitate to caution the drivers if you feel they are over-speeding before it’s too late.”

M. S. Thomas Bashou,

Purul village, Senapati District, Manipur.