Saturday, August 3, 2013

Need to install crash barriers, say experts

Mohit Khanna
Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, August 2

The registration of a case against the bus driver has not gone down well with road safety experts. They have also demanded installation of crash barriers on all bridges in the state.

An expert, Navdeep Asija, said, "The driver alone was not at fault. Our roads are designed with zero tolerance to human error. One mistake and drivers as well as passengers end up facing a life-threatening situation."

About the construction of the particular stretch on which the accident occurred, Asija said, "The width of the road is enough but the bridges are narrow. No warning sign or reflective tapes are present on the bridge parapet or on its railing."

Moreover, a majority of the old bridges on canals and rivers in the state had iron railing, which should be replaced with crash barriers, he said. Another expert, currently working with the state government, said in the absence of reflectors, a driver may not be able to see the railing while driving at night.

"While the police was quick to register a case against the driver, who may have died, it did not take any action against the construction company for failing to install crash barriers," he said.

Fatehgarh Sahib Senior Superintendent of Police Gurmeet Singh said, "If found at fault, action will be initiated against the construction firm as well."

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2013/20130803/punjab.htm#9

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