Bus driver Michal Astrab had to brake sharply to avoid a collision after a driver ignored a stop sign and pulled into his path in Jičín, Czech Republic, Garáž.cz reported. The incident, captured on video and shared on Facebook, involved a public transport bus carrying approximately 15 passengers and a silver BMW 3 Series. The video, recorded in late October on a Class III road, shows the BMW crossing an intersection from a side street without yielding the right of way, forcing Astrab to make an emergency stop to prevent a potentially serious accident.
The Narrow Escape on Road 32840
The incident occurred on a main road numbered 32840 as Astrab was traveling towards Jičín. The video, which has been widely viewed, shows the BMW entering the intersection from a side street named Ulice Dělnická. The BMW’s driver either failed to see or ignored a triangular “give way” sign, which is present at the junction but not clearly visible in the footage.
Legal Consequences for the BMW Driver
The driver of the BMW could face a traffic violation for failing to give way. According to Czech traffic regulations, this offense can result in an on-the-spot fine ranging from 2,500 to 3,500 Czech koruna (CZK). If the matter proceeds to a formal administrative proceeding, the fine can increase to between 4,000 and 10,000 CZK. The driver would also receive four penalty points on their license. Garáž.cz reported that had a collision occurred, the potential penalties would have been significantly more severe.
Escalating Penalties for a Collision
If the incident had resulted in an accident causing injury, the BMW driver could have faced a fine of up to 20,000 CZK in an administrative proceeding and a driving ban of six to 18 months. In the event of serious injury or death to any of the passengers, the driver would receive an additional six penalty points. If the driver’s actions were deemed to constitute a criminal offense, such as a crime of negligence, a court could impose a driving ban ranging from one to ten years. The legal threshold for a criminal charge of general endangerment through negligence requires the creation of a general danger where at least seven people were exposed to the threat of death or serious injury.
Claims for Damages Would Be Covered
In the event of a crash, any claims for damages would typically be covered by the BMW driver’s compulsory motor insurance policy. This coverage includes compensation for injuries, medical treatment costs, and other damages sustained by the affected parties. Astrab’s post on Facebook mentioned the potential for a charge of “general endangerment from negligence,” which carries a maximum prison sentence of two years or a driving ban, though this would require the specific conditions of creating a widespread danger to be met.
The Video Was Posted by Astrab
The video of the near-miss was posted by Astrab himself, who identified himself as a bus driver in his social media profile. He described his state of mind as calm and relaxed until he encountered the BMW. The footage, which has since been shared widely, provides clear visual evidence of the BMW’s maneuver and the bus driver’s evasive action.
What’s Next in the Case
As of the report from Garáž.cz, it is unclear if formal charges or administrative proceedings have been initiated against the driver of the BMW. The video evidence could be used by authorities to support a case for a traffic violation.
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