The Madurai district police have decided to modify speed breakers as per recommended norms in coordination with the highways authorities.
According to Superintendent of Police V. Balakrishnan, a study conducted by the police personnel revealed that there are 211 speed breakers in Madurai district (peripheries / extension colonies and rural areas), with Melur topping at 57 speed breakers and Samayanallur 54 followed by other sub-divisions.
The study also revealed that the speed breakers are too sharp, without markings and there are no caution boards displayed well ahead on the stretch to caution motorists. As a result, accidents occurred, some fatal as well.
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According to Mr. Balakrishnan, “A speed breaker is a rounded hump with its width being greater than the wheel base of most of the vehicles. An ideally designed hump should satisfy the following requirements as per norms prescribed by the highways authorities: the speed breakers should neither cause damage to vehicles nor result in excessive discomfort to drivers and passengers when passing at a preferred crossing speed; the hump should not cause harmful vibrations to the adjoining buildings; it is recommended on minor roads approaching major roads where there is heavy volume of traffic; in a bid to slow down motorists and also to alert that they are heading towards a major intersection, such humps are laid.
Public attitude
Whenever there is any accident, public in the locality demanded laying of speed breakers, but it had not been laid as per the norms. In many stretches, the speed breakers had to be re-laid and the exercise would begin soon. Only with the cooperation from the public, accidents could be prevented and one such way was to lay user-friendly speed breakers.
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