It may seem to be a trivial issue to some of us but road mishaps as a result of unmarked speed breakers has prompted a debate. The roads in the capital itself witnessed bike crashes and riders as well as pillions get injured.
The absence of reflecting lights or white strips on speed breakers in areas such as Mala, Bhatlem and other internal roads have caused a number of casualties. Motorists argue that at several spots, even the sign board warning of a hump or speed breaker does not help.
“By the time one notices the warning sign board, the rider meets with an accident. There are also instances when creepers cover these symbols and the authorities do nothing to clear it. The government does not even bother to paint the speed limits,” Amit Nanodkar, 24, a chartered accountant said.
The two-wheeler riders are at a huge risk particularly during the night when the unmarked speed breakers go unnoticed in the absence of proper illumination. “When the district administration orders constructing speed breakers to restrict speed limit of vehicle users, I don’t understand why a separate permission is needed to paint these,” questioned another concerned commuter.
In the latest incident, the speed breakers on the Bhatlem slope leading to the Masjid have caused many accidents. According to a woman government employee, who refused to be named, the uneven and unmarked speed breakers lead to accidents almost every day. “Many motorists lose balance here and have sustained injuries. Despite several requests to the local office here, it remains unmarked,” she said demanding that local authorities face criminal action for such negligence.
In yet another instance, a college-going student’s bike skidded off the road when he jammed on the brakes close to the obstruction. The passers-by vouch that the student was not in a controlled bike speed but could not avoid the mishap, all thanks to the unmarked speed breaker.
