BENGALURU: The 4 am accident on Wednesday involving an over-speeding high-end car losing control and crashing through the parapet of the elevated road on Bellary Road, slamming into the service road below, has raised questions about how this road from the city to Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) and beyond is used and whether there is any speed limit enforcement at all.
There is a clear indication that no vehicle must cross speeds of 80 kmph while plying on these roads, while three clearly marked lanes exist -- the extreme right being for faster vehicles, and the two on the left for the slower ones. But, neither that nor the random presence of traffic cops -- in their Interceptors -- seem to inhibit the speed monsters.
AFTER-PARTY DRIVES AND CABS
Bellary Road, before and even past the Trumpet Junction that leads one to the KIA, is known to host many an attraction for the youth, who, after their parties, turn bold to drive in an inebriated condition, racing with each other while at it. The weak traffic police enforcement on the long stretch is an added incentive for them to indulge in such maniac drives
This is apart from cab drivers who are in a mindless rush to accommodate as many city-to-KIA-and-back trips in a day to increase their own revenues at the cost of others’ safety.
M N Sreehari, former adviser to the traffic department, opines, “The speed limit on the expressway is restricted at 80 kmph but vehicles are driven over 120 kmph. In the absence of enforcement, these kind of accidents are repeating on expressways and national highways. The drivers do not bother to follow sign boards on these expressways, especially on Airport road.”
He says everyone seems to be in a major hurry as they need to catch flights, or indulge in race. “In the wee hours, the drivers intentionally cross speed limits since the road is free. The traffic police should take stern action against such drivers. They should not be allowed on the expressway. But the scientific way is to use the speed radar gun,” he says.
Mudalappa, a florist next to the expressway, says, “I notice more vehicles being driven at high speeds around 4.30-5.30 am. We are very scared to cross even the service roads.”
Harish Babu, who runs a tea stall at Raithara Santhe Junction (where the Wednesday accident occurred) says, “I witness four-five accidents every day. Bagalur Cross has become the worst accident spot due to such reckless driving. No one is controlling these drivers.”
Nataraja, a senior officer from Highway patrolling authority, said besides over-speeding, most of the drivers never follow lane discipline. “In a few cases the drivers hit patrol vehicles as they are unable to control the vehicle at high speeds,” he said.
Horror on flyovers in the city
September 2, 2017
Ganapathi (40), Nagaraju (45) and Darshan (29) were killed on the spot and six others were severely injured when their SUV hit the central median on Hunasamaranahalli flyover. Over-speeding caused a tyre burst and as they came to a sudden halt, a van coming from behind crashed into them.
October 14, 2017
Mohamed Fakrudhin (37) and Zahir Hussain (45), who were on a two-wheeler, fell from the 45-foot-high busy Madiwala flyover after a speeding cab rammed into them. The incident occurred around noon and they were heading towards Electronics City from Silk Board junction.
August 7, 2016
Shailaj Jaikumar (36) and Tirupati Reddy (41) were killed and another person was severely injured after a speeding Indica car rammed into their two-wheelers on the busy elevated flyover in Madiwala. Due to the impact, one bike crashed into the parapet wall and the rider was thrown off on to the road below. The other biker was crushed by the car.
JAKKUR AERODROME A SELFIE ZONE
When motorists pass the Jakkur aerodrome, many stop in the middle to take selfies by standing on the edge of the elevated expressway to get the aerodrome in the background. They are mostly oblivious to the dangerously speeding vehicles coming from behind and there is always a threat of someone getting killed. This has led to quarrels among drivers, said Rangaswamy, a local.
Loose gravel a danger
Trucks which carry crushed jelly stones and debris spill it while moving on the express- way. The trucks are overloaded, which causes the loose material to fall in their wake. This is a grave threat for two-wheeler riders.
COWS ON FLYOVER
Stray cows move on the elevated expressway as many villages are located nearby. Lokesh, a security guard, said it is common to see cows on the expressway (not the elevated portions) during afternoons and evenings. Farmers come around 5.30pm to take herd them back. Many bikers hit cows and sustain injuries and it slows down traffic.”