Ring roads turn into death traps

Ring roads turn into death traps
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: Hit-and-run cases and head-on collisions on the 62-km Ring Road around the city continue to hit the headlines with an unfailing regularity. The increasing vehicle population and rash and reckless driving on the smooth stretches by all vehicles, including trucks, have often resulted in fatal mishaps.

In the last six years after the entire stretch had been completed, the heavy traffic and smooth roads have become a bane for motorists rather than a boon. Statistics reveal that accidents have only increased especially on stretches in Banashankari, Madiwala, Kamannahalli, Jayanagar and Marathahalli police limits. These areas have recorded the highest number of accidents in the last three years compared to other parts of the city.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Traffic East, M.A. Saleem, said: ‘‘Overspeeding is the only reason for accidents. The well-laid road encourages over speeding and most speed at close to 100 km/hour. This only increases the chances of accidents.’’

To tackle this menace, Saleem plans to introduce a lane system on ring roads. He said: ‘‘Lane system is an option we have. If the situation demands, we will implement the system and since the roads are broad enough, the system can be implemented and should be quite effective.’’ However, he is positive that accidents will decrease in the coming days.

‘‘Speed guns have already been installed on ring roads to check on over speeding vehicles. Motorcyclists are captured on cameras sometimes without even their knowledge. So far, we are operating with four such cameras and will install a few more in the next six months.’’

Another plan includes installation of signal lights at some junctions on the ring roads. Saleem said the 2004 figures are yet to be compiled but expressed concern about the increase in the number of accidents over the previous year.