Soon, crash barriers at 200 spots to cut road fatalities

Gurgaon: Over the next few months, traffic police will install crash barriers – objects that reduce the effect of a collision – at 200 spots across the city to reduce the number of fatal accidents recorded every year.
Though there are various kinds, the barriers put up in the city will be made of tyres. These will be coloured for increased visibility at night, while the tyres will help cushion the impact of a crash.
“The crash barriers will make it easier to navigate U-turns and identify road dividers, especially at night and when there is fog. They will eventually help reduce the number of accidents,” said Gurgaon police commissioner Kala Ramchandran.
On Friday, the first crash barriers were installed at the Kherki Daula toll plaza and Bristol Chowk.
Around 360 people have died in road accidents in the city between January and November this year. Police say speeding is among the major reasons for accidents.
In this, around 80% of the speeding-related accidents were witnessed in Gurgaon’s east, which includes key stretches such as the Sohna Road, MG Road, Golf Course Road and SPR.
For this reason, a majority of the 200 spots that are yet to be finalised will be located in the eastern parts, traffic cops said.
DCP (traffic) Virender Singh Sangwan said the existing concrete barriers at the Kherki Daula toll and the Bristol Chowk have been replaced with the tyre-made crash barriers.
“We are identifying places where such crash barriers can be installed,” the DCP said. “Primarily, the intent behind installing crash barriers is to reduce fatality rate and the extent of damage to a vehicle. They will also enhance visibility on the road,” said Navdeep Singh, a road safety adviser.
The barriers are being installed with the help of The Social Lab (TSL), which is assisting the traffic police as part of a CSR project.
“We are delighted to partner with Yokohama Off Highway Tires and Gurgaon Police to install our Traffic Control and Safety Devices (TCSD) across the city. Road Safety remains to be a critical topic for India. With more than 1.5 lakh deaths a year, our vision is to reduce the accidents and fatalities, which rise during the winter season in the northern region. We will be installing 100 such devices made from End-of-Life Tyres (ELTs) to cover the black spots and prevent accidents.”