Shifting medians: Big trouble for road users
In many parts of the city, these stones are frequently discarded and thrown
By : sangeeta bora|
Update: 2015-06-15 06:36 GMT
Bengaluru: Temporary traffic medians often have large stones or cement blocks placed across them. In many parts of the city, these stones are frequently discarded and thrown to one side of the road by motorists or pedestrians, who find them a nuisance and an impediment. These haphazardly placed medians, which are supposed to be used as dividers, or even speedbreakers, have been one of the major causes of accidents involving two-wheelers, especially at night, when these vehicles tend to go full tilt.
But no lessons have been learnt from such accidents. One place where danger of the above-mentioned kind is lurking, is in Koramangala -- starting from Krupanidhi College and going towards Wipro Park. Panchanam Bharali is one of the victims. He recalls, “A few days ago I was riding my bike from Jakkasandra towards Wipro Park. I was going at a speed of 50-60 km per hour, seeing that the road was empty. Suddenly my bike hit a big stone which must have been kept as a divider and later moved aside and I fell very hard. I fractured my hand and have been on bed rest ever since.” He adds, “Clearly, some motorists are insensitive. They are not bothered about the injuries that their actions might cause to other motorists.
Considering the attitude of these motorists, we should not have temporary medians but permanent ones. I was lucky to have a miraculous escape!” he sighs gratefully. Voicing a similar opinion, Rakesh P, a shopkeeper, says, “We have witnessed many accidents. I have seen five people suffering minor injuries in the last three months. We have helped them with water and first aid on many occasions. Sometimes, we have lifted the stone and put it back on the median.”
Mithun P, a commuter, adds, “Road medians are supposed to avert accidents and not add to them. But unfortunately, the reverse is is happening nowadays. Besides, none of these dividers are painted black and yellow. Nor are there functioning street lights to help motorists to spot these hurdles in their way.” It is the responsibility of the BBMP to construct permanent medians and paint them with black and yellow reflective paint for visibility, which could reduce the chances of accidents.