Increasing accidents and reckless driving by private buses on the busy Kozhikode-Kannur National Highway has become a matter of concern for motorists and people who frequent the road.
No fewer than 20 accidents involving two-wheeler riders, light motor vehicles and pedestrians have been reported from the NH stretch in the last couple of months.
People are blaming the police and the Motor Vehicles Department for lax enforcement which has resulted in private buses, especially those operating long distance services, enjoying full freedom to dominate the road and cause accidents.
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The 10-km stretch of the highway from Mofussil bus stand to Elathur, which falls within the City Corporation limit, is witnessing the highest number of lane traffic violations, with small vehicles bearing the brunt of the accidents.
“Pedestrians and students are compelled to wait a long time along the road to cross it safely as the private buses always flout the basic traffic norms and overtake other vehicles ignoring the people’s safety,” says S. Prajith, a native of Elathur.
In several areas, the zebra crosses are not even visible, with private buses terrorising the traffic during peak hours, he says.
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Traders along the NH stretch say that reckless overtaking creates a dreadful situation, especially in the afternoon time.
“Normally, traffic congestion will be high after 4 p.m. as hundreds of students from various educational institutions rush to board buses. It is at this peak time that most of the long distance buses engage in the race,” says a trader from West Hill.
However, officials from the Police and Motor Vehicle department claim that the drive against lane traffic is still continuing though they do not camp at a particular spot regularly.
“Certainly, there is shortage of officers for regular patrolling, but we manage to ensure at-least a Home Guard or police patrolling team to check the situation,” said a police officer from Nadakkavu station.
Officials from the Motor Vehicle Department point out that the citizens who come across lane traffic violations can directly report it using the latest communication tools like Watsapp or Facebook. The official facebook page of the department and the watsapp number- 8547639011- is constantly being monitored by senior officers, they add