A motorcycle-bus collision in Pallikkunnu, Kannur, Kerala, which has raised concerns about dangerous overtaking, blind spots and road safety has again raised the issue of road safety. A private bus and two-wheeler collision, according to the report, shows how a careless manoeuvre in traffic is so dangerous that it can have severe consequences.
The crash happened on or around 20 October 2026 near Krishnamenon Women’s College, also known as Government Women’s College. Video footage later circulated on social media and highlighted the stage before the collision as well as the dangers of two-wheeler riders on the road with heavy vehicles.
What happened in Pallikkunnu?
According to reports, the private bus is Krithika or Kritika. The bus was overtaking another bus when it collided with a motorcycle or scooter.
The rider was identified in the reports as Jithin, a resident of Kannapuram Cherukunnu. He suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.
Malayalam news outlets such as Manorama News and DD News Malayalam were mentioned in the report of the incident. A road safety account on X also shared related footage on October 21, leading to discussions about the reason behind the crash.
The exact sequence of events and the responsibility of each road user would need to be established through an official investigation.
Video Analysis Raises Questions About Overtaking
It has been discussed that if a vehicle stops to walk out and another car enters, the vehicle may not be able to hold on to the road.
Commentary on the video states that the motorcycle may have moved towards the right while trying to overtake, possibly entering an area that was difficult for the bus driver to see. The bus's speed and the position of both vehicles have also been discussed.
However, a single video taken from a different angle is not enough to definitively establish each contributing factor. Claims about overspeeding, the rider's manoeuvre, or the helmet fastening should not be taken as good evidence without more evidence.
But the incident illustrates a central road-safety principle: Riders should never assume that a large vehicle's driver can see them at all times.
Why Blind Spots Are Dangerous
Buses and trucks have extensive blind spots around their sides and rear. A motorcycle traveling close to a bus may be difficult for the driver to see, especially if both vehicles are changing lanes or overtaking.
Riders should avoid hanging beside heavy vehicles and should never try to squeeze around the wheel to try to push through the narrowing space. While overtaking, they should check mirrors, look at drivers in the mirror to see who is driving behind them, signal clearly and ensure the manoeuvre is performed safely.
Keralam, Kannur 🚨⚠️ Disturbing Visuals🚨 Looks like motorcycle rider tried to overtake slow moving bus from “left to right” w/o checking right side Rear View Mirror + at HCV’s Blind Spot + helmet doesn’t look like strapped…Bus on the right lane overdoing speed. Motorcycle Rider Second Life! Many car drivers do similar mistakes while overtaking from “Left to Right” b/w vehicles… @DriveSmart_IN
— Dave (Road Safety: City & Highways) (@motordave2) October 21, 2026
What are the safety lessons for riders and bus drivers?
Motorcyclists should wear properly fitted, securely fastened helmets on every journey. They should keep a safe following distance, avoid sudden lane changes and never overtake if visibility is limited.
Bus drivers need to also be safe drivers, check mirrors when manoeuvring and give vulnerable road users space. Transport authorities can help create safer roads by strictly enforcing the speed limit, training drivers, and monitoring dangerous overtaking.
A Reminder That Road Safety Is Everyone's Responsibility
The Pallikkunnu collision is another reminder that impatience and poor judgement can put lives at risk. Riders and drivers are both responsible for preventing avoidable crashes, especially on crowded roads.
While the reasons behind this incident will need to be thoroughly investigated, the lesson is clear: check before overtaking, keep blind spots to a minimum, maintain safe distances, and follow road rules. A few seconds of patience can make a life-saving difference.
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