The reflectors installed in several stretches on the highways result in motorists being subjected to high risks owing to its poor maintenance.

Though engineers claim that maintenance works are regularly conducted to ensure that such reflectors are in place, various stretches including the Tambaram-Maduravoyal Bypass Road and Chennai-Ranipet stretch has damaged reflectors.

A senior engineer attached to National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) said, “Raised markers are provided on all the stretches while laying roads. The markers are laid in accordance with the prescribed standards of the Indian Road Congress. Moreover, the Construction and Maintenance Wing attached to the agency has to conduct maintenance checks once in every six months.”

However, officials note that raised markers are just one safety option to prevent road accidents. Choosing the right solution includes various factors namely material cost, roadway geometry, road surface conditions, traffic volume, and local weather conditions. Officials assert that the primary traffic control devices used in work zones are signs, delineators, barricades, cones, pylons, pavements markings and flashing lights.

S Subramanian, a truck driver said, “Missing of road reflectors along the Maduravoyal bypass road is evident. The stretch has witnessed several road mishaps but till date no repair works were undertaken to enhance the safety aspect.”

Reflectors provided on the stretches aim to improve the visibility for vehicle users at night. Similarly, red reflectors indicate zebra crossings so that motorists slow down as they approach them.

Safety manual adopted by NHAI

• All traffic control devices within the traffic control zone should be in a good and clean condition.
• Devices should be placed within the cone of vision of the driver, in such a distance that it allows adequate response time at the average speed or the desired speed through the traffic control zone.
• In addition, devices should be clearly visible at day and night for the commonly prevailing climatic conditions, to all the driving speed.
• Foliage or any other obstruction should not be allowed to impede the view of these devices, nor should other aspects be allowed to obscure the view.
• The devices must be able to resist the changes in weather and the vibrations of the passing traffic.
• Finally, these devices should not act as rigid obstacles in the event of a collision.