“ Before starting one should make sure that the vehicle is in good condition and ready for the harsh conditions. Check for electricals, windscreen washer and wiper, battery, engine oil, brakes & tyres and make sure that they are working properly and are not worn out.” Said Mr Kapila.
“Various studies conducted by government and non-government agencies have shown that “human error” – mostly negligent driving – is the main reason for accidents on the expressway. Drivers ramming their vehicles into other vehicle at high speed, wrong over-taking and losing control over vehicles after feeling drowsy and fatigued are among the main reasons for the accidents. Monotous driving, wrong turns, lane cutting and overspeeding are among the other reasons for the accidents.” Said Mr Kapila.
“For the road safety measure part Intelligent Transport system (ITS) along with strict enforcement of speed has to be implemented . A pre-warning about weather condition road and driving condition’s should be provided to drivers in advance by the road concessionaire ” he added.
“The installation of the Intelligent Traffic Management System involving speed camera’s and digital warning boards on both the Expressways would go a long way in improving safety standards The system, commonplace on major highways in developed countries, involves setting up high-speed cameras at chronic locations on the expressway. The GPRS-based system will also record details such as the vehicle’s registration number, the place of speeding and the time. The images will be flashed on digital boards that will be set up along with the cameras as a warning and the information will be transmitted to the control room.” He added
“ Several othe road safety measure need to to be taken on e-ways include setting up a trauma care centre, an air ambulance, a highway surveillance system, truck terminals close to the two ends, and use of wire ropes crash barrier system” he added.
“ Global bodies like World Health Organsiation and World bank are concerned at increasing road deaths world over despite most of countries including India which is signatory to UN Decade of Action to reduce fatal accidents by half by the year 2020 . A co-ordinated holistic approach to road safety is essential if we are to meet our 2020 targets. Investing in a safe system approach where road design, vehicle speeds, vehicle design and road user behaviour work together to ensure zero road deaths and injuries makes sense.” Said Mr Kapila.
