Cicada Causes Car Flip

Kia Flip Caused by Cicada

Imagine cruising down an Ohio road, windows down, enjoying the warm breeze of early summer—life’s good, right? But then, out of nowhere, a cicada swoops in through the open window, and suddenly, a calm drive turns into an episode worthy of a reality TV show. This is precisely what happened to the driver of a Kia crossover in Ohio, who claims a cicada led to flipping the vehicle, damaging it extensively.

Crash Details

The incident, reported by the Blue Ash Police Department, resulted in the Kia ending up on its side. Fortunately, the driver came away with no injuries, but the vehicle wasn’t so lucky. The Kia’s hood, bumper, and passenger side took quite the beating. The windshield and the panoramic sunroof weren’t spared either. Apparently, critters like these can turn a leisurely ride into quite the thrill when they don’t respect personal space, especially in the front seat of a car.

Cicada Season

Cicadas might be small, but they’re big news this year, particularly the Brood XIV kind that decided 2023 was their year to hit the skies. According to experts at the University of Connecticut, these bugs can be as many as 1.5 million per acre, although it’s more common to see ‘just’ tens or hundreds of thousands in the same area. These little guys spend years underground, only to emerge in vast numbers looking to reproduce, with no regard for cautious drivers.

Vehicle Performance

Driving the Kia crossover typically comes with a smooth experience, with its solid 187 horsepower engine making city and highway drives efficient and competent while keeping an average of around 25 miles per gallon. Despite its sturdy build that usually offers a comfortable ride, a determined cicada was all it took to turn this dependable vehicle into a casualty of summer madness. Kia crossovers, known for their safety features, have a track record of managing well in less intense road situations, but even the best systems can’t predict insect-induced turbulence.

Advice for Drivers

With cicada season peaking in the coming weeks, drivers might want to consider keeping windows mostly up, especially in cicada-dense areas. Not only does it save a potential panic attack, but it also keeps the integrity of the vehicle intact from involuntary ‘insect-led’ maneuvers. Wildlife interruptions notwithstanding, spending time driving a Kia provides a secure, enjoyable, and powerful on-road experience—just need to remember to avoid nature’s air dancers when they invite themselves along for the ride.

Final Thoughts

While this cicada incident has a humorous side, it reflects how even minor distractions can lead to big problems on the road. As summer continues, staying alert and occasionally hitting that A/C might just spare both headaches and auto bodywork. Remember: it’s not about the size of the bug in the fight, but the size of the fight in the bug—or lack of fight, preferably, if you’re a driver trying to get somewhere safely.