2 deaths were their 'wake up' call

Traffic cops install barricades; unscientific road humps that claimed lives stay on

The spot in fact, is a grim reminder of the perils of unscientific road humps.

The traffic police have installed barricades on both sides of the steep N R link road, which connects to the road leading towards the Mysore-Bangalore Road. However, the road humps due to which the accident reportedly occurred has neither been repaired nor painted to provide visibility, leading to chances of more accidents on the road.

An eye-witness, on condition of anonymity, said that lady with her two children driving her bike down the steep road tried to apply brakes near the hump. However, she lost control and the lorry which was close behind her was bumped into her vehicle, causing her to fall down on one side of the road, and causing the children to come under the lorry. Lorries loaded with sand, bricks and Jelly ply on the road pushing motorists into the corner of the roads. With a majority of school and college students using the road, residents request the road to be made a one-way route.

Similar mishap

Subhashnagar resident, Rajanna said that there are nearly four-five schools in the vicinity. Despite being a narrow road, lorries and even KSRTC buses going towards the depot ply on the route to avoid taking a longer route. Residents say that there was a similar accident two years back when a girl studying in St Philomena’s college passed away in an accident.

Rajanna said that at nights there is no proper light on the road nor indications of a hump ahead.

At the start of the road, barricades have been installed. But that is not enough, a hump and poles to stop heavy vehicles should be installed, says Rajanna.

Shanaz, assistant headmistress of MESCO High School, said that there is no ‘School Zone’ board despite repeated requests to the traffic police. With more than 500 children studying in the school, she said that every day two teachers  from the school stand and monitor traffic to help primary school kids cross the road. She said that a traffic policemen should be deputed for atleast one-hour in the morning and evenings, when the rush to reach school and colleges is high. Residents also complain of ‘drag race’ being carried out by college students.