The increasing number of black spots in the city has become a major problem for commuters as well as the authorities. Besides poor implementation of traffic rules, the lack of facilities for pedestrian and cyclists and increasing number of vehicles have added to the number of road accidents over the years. The total number of registered motor vehicles in Delhi was 82,93,167 in 2014, which has seen a sizeable increase.
Out of 137 black spots identified by the Delhi Police in 2014, 10 were where maximum accidents were reported. It was found that these stretches had no road signage and markings, medians and pavements were in bad condition, and the sharpness of curves was also found to be deficient. These 10 black spots were: Sarai Kale Khan, ISBT Kashmere Gate, Mahipalpur Flyover, Dr Bhabha Marg Crossing, Mori Gate Chowk, ShaniMandir, Nigam Bodh Ghat, Shahadra Flyover, Mukund Pur Chowk and Punjabi Bagh Chowk. A combination of road and traffic infrastructure with strong enforcement measures could help in ensuring better and safer roads.
An investment of `49.97 crore for road safety measures on 10 black spots in Delhi could help in preventing 1981 fatal and 17,890 injurious mishaps in the next 20 years along with generating economic benefits of `388.74 crore.
Delineators, speed cameras, red light cameras should be put into use for better driving experience. Construction of more underpasses, footpaths and footbridges would ease the traffic issues. Transponders should be fitted into vehicles, which would give information like accident location, weather and number of people sitting in the vehicle in case of any incident.
Authorities should also hold awareness drives about traffic rules for commuters and pedestrians. Any initiative is not successful without a combined effort. Government’s job is to implement rules. But, it is the duty of people to obey them.