Spider responsible for two cars ending up in the water at Bayview

IT SEEMS almost impossible to believe — spiders causing two different cars to end up in the drink off a now notorious Sydney boat ramp.

A Mazda 121 sits underwater at the bottom of the Bayview boat ramp in 2008. Picture: Braden Fastier:

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ARE boat ramps the sort of place arachnophobes in cars should avoid?

It is one of your worst nightmares as a driver — sitting behind the wheel and focusing on the road ahead when a terrifying spider crawls unexpectedly across your lap.

Young female driver was caught by surprise when a huntsman spider dropped in her lap while parking her car at Bayview boat rap at Mona Vale. Picture: Stuart Cooper

But for motorists near Bayview boat ramp in Rowland Reserve, a runaway huntsman has caused not one but two accidents in recent years

On the weekend, a panicked woman leapt out of her car after an eight-legged intruder climbed across her legs.

A huntsman spider

She could do nothing but watch in despair as her Volkswagen rolled into the water.

But in September 2008, a Mazda 121 ended up in the water off the boat ramp after a spider also spooked the male driver.

On Saturday, the 18-year-old woman had just pulled up at the boat ramp when the large huntsman dropped in just after 7am.

Witnesses said she leapt out of the car “and started doing a spider dance” as her car edged towards the water.

Stuart Cooper, who was standing 50m away, said the woman appeared to be in shock.

“Her mum arrived about 15 minutes later and was freaking out because she thought her daughter was in the car,” the Avalon local said.

“She was relieved when she saw her daughter sitting on the side of the boat ramp in tears. She went up and gave her a huge hug.

“She also gave me a huge hug — I’m not sure why — and then told her daughter that she didn’t care about the car, only that she was OK.”

A Mazda 121 sits underwater at the bottom of the Bayview boat ramp in 2008. Picture: Stuart Cooper

the car had that sinking feeling. The pelican had nothing to do with it. Picture: Braden Fastier

By the time police divers arrived, the car had sunk and 25m from the beach so had to be towed back in.

When the Mazda 121 ended up in the water eight years ago, the driver had stopped his vehicle on the boat ramp when he saw a spider crawling across the seat towards him.

But because he fled the car while it was not in gear, it rolled also down the ramp and into the water.

The Mazda 121 becomes something of a local attraction for a while. 2008. Picture: Braden Fastier

Insurer Allianz lists “surprises”, especially spiders, among the top 10 driver distractions that lead to accidents.

“A spider in the car, a bee sting, or a passenger sneezing, can give you a fright and cause you to panic and slam your foot on the brake or to swerve,” its website states.

“Keep your cool and pull over somewhere safely and then you can sort out whatever has distracted you and take your time to calm down before rejoining the traffic.”

Easier said than done for spider-fearing drivers though.

Steve Lawler, Executive Manager, Parks and Reserves, Northern Beaches Council said: “Northern Beaches Council will continue to monitor the situation at the boat ramp, and investigate any issues with our traffic engineer.”