The question of a notable gap in the Moscow Ring Road infrastructure, which preceded a Mitsubishi Pajero losing control and colliding with oncoming traffic on August 9, is acknowledged, yet the reasons behind the absence of a mitigation trap remain unclear. This concern was raised by Anton Shaparin, Deputy Chairman of the National Automobile Association, during an interview with a journalist from socialbites.ca.
Shaparin proposed a concept involving specially designed plastic tanks filled with water placed in the space between the wheel wells. He suggested that such barriers could absorb impact and prevent the vehicle from veering into the opposite lane. He noted that a vehicle would likely collide with the tank in the event of a breach, potentially limiting the severity of the crash. Shaparin added that while a rear impact could occur, it would not be a foregone conclusion, and the tank could serve as a protective measure rather than a guaranteed outcome.
The expert also observed ruts along the road surface, arguing that a Pajero with a relatively soft suspension could struggle to maintain stability at high speeds, contributing to the loss of control. He described the Moscow Ring Road as having visible ruts that can compromise handling and cause a car with such a suspension to slide into the oncoming lane.
Shaparin recalled a past incident involving a famous blogger, Edward Beal, who reportedly lost control for a combination of reasons, including a monotony described as frightening by the driver’s account. The car expert noted that significant ruts can form when road construction quality is substandard, leading to abrupt changes in traction and vehicle behavior.
This morning’s event saw a Mitsubishi Pajero crash west of the Moscow Ring Road near exit 54A, with the sport utility vehicle crossing multiple lanes, veering into oncoming traffic, and colliding with several other vehicles. The driver of one affected vehicle sustained non-life-threatening injuries, and the Pajero itself overturned and emitted visible smoke. A separate feature discusses why head-on crashes on the Moscow Ring Road occur so rarely yet still pose substantial risk.
Earlier, a Ford Mustang sighting in Moscow was noted, where a similar scenario involved a high-speed interaction with pedestrians. The broader discussion centers on high-speed road design, driver behavior, and the potential impact of road surface conditions on vehicle control and crash outcomes.