Coimbatore Grapples with Alarming Surge in Road Fatalities
Coimbatore is witnessing a distressing spike in fatal road accidents, with 28 lives tragically lost in the month of February alone. Authorities attribute this sharp increase primarily to rash and negligent driving by motorists, including bikers, who are often in a hurry to reach their destinations. The city's roads have turned perilous, prompting urgent interventions from law enforcement and road safety advocates.
Recent Tragedies Highlight Deadly Patterns
Among the victims was R Ponge Gounder, 55, of Devarayapuram, who was run over by a mini bus near the city police commissionerate on February 27. CCTV footage revealed that he was riding his scooter dangerously close behind the bus and attempted to overtake it near a median. The scooter's handlebar struck the median, causing him to fall under the rear wheel of the bus, which crushed his chest and killed him instantly.
In a similarly heartbreaking incident, P Govardhana Manibharathi, 18, a student at a private diploma college, lost his life on February 18. His motorcycle's handlebar collided with a private bus heading to Gandhipuram, leading to a loss of balance. He fell under the bus, which ran over his head, resulting in immediate death.
Police Response and Enforcement Measures
S Ashok Kumar, the city deputy police commissioner (traffic), emphasized that accidents caused by speeding vehicles now outnumber those from drunk driving. "This indicates widespread involvement in rash and negligent driving," he stated. "Many college students and youngsters are losing their lives due to this behavior. Additionally, numerous individuals disregard traffic rules after 10 PM, mistakenly believing regulations are suspended."
To combat this crisis, the police have formed eight special teams deployed at various locations during night hours to intercept speeding vehicles. Barricades are being installed at identified blackspots to force motorists to reduce speed. Kumar reiterated that vehicles must not exceed the city's speed limit of 40 kmph.
Underlying Risks and Community Concerns
Another traffic police officer noted that routine travels are turning deadly in Coimbatore. "Eight individuals were run over by trucks and buses, with six being bikers who fell under the rear wheels of heavy vehicles," he explained. "This underscores the dangers of following too closely, sudden braking, and loss of control at high speeds."
The officer expressed particular distress over the high number of college students and youths dying in these accidents. "Parents should exercise caution before purchasing bikes for their children. High-speed vehicles may seem appealing, but they can become deadly if traffic rules are ignored."
Calls for Enhanced Road Safety Measures
N Devendran, secretary of the Road Safety Association, advocated for the installation of speed detection cameras to identify rash driving. "Strict action must be taken against those who drive at high speeds and cause accidents. Merely imposing fines is insufficient to deter repeat offenders," he asserted.
The collective message from officials and safety experts is clear: adherence to traffic rules, reduced speeds, and heightened enforcement are critical to curbing this deadly trend on Coimbatore's roads.
