‘Overspeeding, bad condition of vehicles among reasons for Samruddhi e-way accidents’: MSRDC Jt MD

What are the reasons behind so many accidents taking place on Samruddhi expressway?

Since the inauguration of the Samruddhi Expressway, 30 lakh vehicles has run on it. As on today, 846 accidents have take place on the strech and of which 105 were fatal.

Broadly, the reasons behind these accidents are loss of control on wheels by motorists, sleepiness, tyre burst, mechanical failure, rash driving and fire on the vehicle. It has been found in study that these accidents took place due to overspeeding, violating lane discipline, not keeping desirable distance between two vehicles, overtaking on the wrong side, parking of vehicles incautiously, overloaded trucks, use of worn out tyres and poor condition of vehicles.

The Samruddhi Mahamarg is almost straight. It has no abrupt turn or Ghat section. The surface of the concrete has smooth gradient. So, motorist has natural tendency to drive fast… Actually, maximum speed limit has been restricted as 120 Km/hr for cars vehicles, 100 Km/hr for light commercial vehicles and 80 Km/hr for heavy Vehicles.

What efforts are being taken by authorities to avoid mishaps and ultimately loss of lives?

Necessary signages, information boards, cat eyes, delineators etc. have been fixed for guiding the vehicle movement. Additional Median Crash Barriers on both sides are being fixed on the Samruddhi Mahamarg to avoid crashes due to crossing the median. Necessary amenities and facilities like fuel station,rest rooms, drinking water, refreshment etc.have been provided at 13 locations on the expressway.

What all facilities and systems are in place in case of accidents take place? Is the emergency rescue vehicles, ambulances and other health care system available adequately?

For incidence management, as many as 21Quick response vehicles, 21 well-equipped ambulances, 152 Maharashtra State Security Corporation’s staff, 13 cranes having capacity of 30 MT capacity have been deployed on the Samruddhi Mahamarg for taking care in case of any accidents or mishaps. Immediate rescue operations are done and patients are shifted to the nearest hospitals.

A bus caught fire, leading to the death of 25 passengers in Maharashtra’s Buldhana district. (Express photo by Deepak Joshi)

What all precautions motorists should take while driving on the expressway and to avoid mishap?

Motorists should take care of speed, drive cautiously. and not flout any rules… Motorists should keep their vehicles in well condition with regular service of it Quality tyres with desirable pressure are expected on the expressway.

In research, it has been found that Nitrogen air in tyres is desirable as nitrogen expand less as compared to air. Though all precautionary measures have been taken on the expressway, it is very necessary to always keep an eye on the speed of vehicle. Motorists should stop at fuel stations for a while to break the fatigue.

Is there any checking of vehicles before entering into the expressway ?

Vehicle checking, nitrogen filling facility have been started on the Samruddhi Mahamarg. Regular counseling of drivers is being done on the route. We are also penalising motorists for flouting rules, action is being taken for over speeding and lane cutting with the help of Regional Transport Office Department. This is being done to ensure that the vehicles are fit and motorists are not flouting any kind of motor vehicle rules.

Is the highway hypnosis a reason for mishaps?

Highway Hypnosis may be one of the reason. Bar marking with thermoplastic material at regular intervals are being done to alert the drivers. Drivers should take stops and halts after some interval of time and should avoid traveling at one go.