Bengaluru: Road accidents are very common in Bengaluru given the pathetic condition of city roads and poor traffic management. However, when it comes to a particular stretch on the Old Madras Road, motorists have to be extra cautious to come out safe from the deadly part between Benniganahalli under bridge to Battarahalli, which falls under the KR Puram traffic police limits.
The stretch has already witnessed 24 deaths in road accidents, which is the highest in the city, till June 2018. According to the information provided by the traffic police department, till June 2018, 23 fatal accidents were reported in which 24 people were killed. In the same time period 106 non-fatal accidents were reported in which 101 people were injured.
“We are aware that KR Puram is a dangerous stretch but the primary reasons for the accidents are rash and negligent driving and flouting of traffic rules. The movement of heavy vehicles also contributes to accidents,” a senior traffic police officer said.
Fatal jaywalking
“Pedestrians and bikers are at a high risk in this zone. This stretch is a part of National Highway4 and sees movement of heavy vehicles. Pedestrians cross the roads at any point and get mowed down by the speeding vehicles. We will write to the BBMP to construct skywalks at KR Puram–Devasandra junction, ITI Gate and RMZ Infinity office, where hundreds of people cross the road every day by risking their lives,” added the officer.
One of the officials at the KR Puram traffic police station mentioned that two-wheeler riders jump traffic signals and ram into the median or oncoming vehicles. “Most of the accidents occur late night or in early hours, when everyone is speeding. Speed breakers at regular intervals should be constructed to cut down the speed,” the official said.
Private bus menace
Rash driving of private bus drivers to pick up a few extra passengers can also be seen as one of the major reasons behind the increasing number of road accidents.
“The private buses are huge menace and they need to be brought under control. They are seen rash driving and putting other motorists at risk. They are seen speeding to reach the bus stops just to pick up passengers and end up ramming into other vehicles,” added the official.
One of the staff members said that traffic rules are not followed by anyone at this stretch. “We need more personnel and have to ensure that during peak hours there is stringent checking. This can help in reducing the fatalities,” he added.
The other dangerous zone in the city is Yelahanka, which has recorded 23 deaths in as many fatal road accidents till June 2018. It is followed by Chikkajala which also sees rash driving as the major cause of accidents.
