The sharp curve at Kareekode on MC Road at Perumbavoor where five youths died in a car-bus collision on Thursday is an accident-prone spot where a Scania bus operated by the KSRTC had crashed into a house in the middle of the night last Saturday.
Taking note of frequent accidents, the police have forwarded a list of suggestions to the PWD, which owns the road, and to the local panchayat to ensure the safety of road users in the corridor.
“The sole warning board on the impending curve is not clearly visible due to layers of dirt over it. Moreover, the curve does not have adequate street lighting and reflectors. We have asked stakeholders to install proper signboards, lighting, and frequent rumble strips to warn motorists to slow down at curves,” Perumbavoor Circle Inspector Baiju Paulose told The Hindu. Blinker lights too must be installed at such curves to warn motorists who are not familiar with the road. “On our part, the police will intensify checking to tighten the noose on those resorting to rash driving,” Mr. Paulose said.
The PWD is non-committal on improving road-safety measures and on straightening similar curves in the area, despite frequent accidents. No preventive measures have been taken, even though officials of the department have visited the spot, sources said. District Collector K. Mohammed Y. Safirulla, Ernakulam Rural SP Rahul Nair, Eldose Kunnapilly, MLA, and MVD officials visited the scene of accident on Thursday.