Takeo Tales- A Perfect Accident
Posted: Sat Nov 01, 2014 2:09 pm
Sorry folks no graphic photos of blood splattered victims.
Takeo Town is a sleepy place,whose broad main roads,unlike those in Phnom Penh, are lightly used. A few years ago I was proceeding down one of these boulevards, en route to the newly opened Canadia atm. Some distance in front of me an aging moto, carrying a family of four, was dawdling along,as the mother surveyed the shops. Approaching in the opposite lane was a gleaming new Dream, ridden by three students.
What followed unfolded almost in slow motion. Simultaneously the bikes executed a partial left turn, and embarked on the long forty five degree move across lanes so beloved of Khmers. As they closed with each other it was obvious they were on a collision course. Who would swerve first? The answer no one!
The two front wheels collided, the bikes recoiled and fell on their sides, spilling passengers onto the road. The father was unfortunate as the bike fell on his leg, everyone else was almost immediately on their feet. The mother, ignoring her spouse's groans of pain, dashed for the Dream and made a grab for it's key. One of the students was a little faster and a struggle ensued. A crowd had by now assembled, and those not taking pictures hastened to join in the finger pointing.
The arrival of a couple of Takeo Town's finest brought some order to the scene. Father was extracted from under his bike, bruised and complaining loudly. Chalk outlines were drawn, consultations took place, finally a decision was reached;- both parties were to blame. In view of this the police were impounding both bikes till appropriate fines were agreed on, and paid.
All in all the perfect accident, totally avoidable, no major injuries, and a profitable day for the guardians of law and order.
Takeo Town is a sleepy place,whose broad main roads,unlike those in Phnom Penh, are lightly used. A few years ago I was proceeding down one of these boulevards, en route to the newly opened Canadia atm. Some distance in front of me an aging moto, carrying a family of four, was dawdling along,as the mother surveyed the shops. Approaching in the opposite lane was a gleaming new Dream, ridden by three students.
What followed unfolded almost in slow motion. Simultaneously the bikes executed a partial left turn, and embarked on the long forty five degree move across lanes so beloved of Khmers. As they closed with each other it was obvious they were on a collision course. Who would swerve first? The answer no one!
The two front wheels collided, the bikes recoiled and fell on their sides, spilling passengers onto the road. The father was unfortunate as the bike fell on his leg, everyone else was almost immediately on their feet. The mother, ignoring her spouse's groans of pain, dashed for the Dream and made a grab for it's key. One of the students was a little faster and a struggle ensued. A crowd had by now assembled, and those not taking pictures hastened to join in the finger pointing.
The arrival of a couple of Takeo Town's finest brought some order to the scene. Father was extracted from under his bike, bruised and complaining loudly. Chalk outlines were drawn, consultations took place, finally a decision was reached;- both parties were to blame. In view of this the police were impounding both bikes till appropriate fines were agreed on, and paid.
All in all the perfect accident, totally avoidable, no major injuries, and a profitable day for the guardians of law and order.