Sir,

With reference to the recent road accident on the Bengaluru-Mysuru Highway near Channapatna (Car lands atop another car, SOM dated Feb. 18, 2025), placing barricades on highways is unacceptable from a road safety perspective.

I had highlighted this concern in my letter published in this column (Why barricades on Highways?, Dec. 2, 2024).

While this accident resulted in damage to both vehicles, we must be thankful that no lives were lost. But who is responsible? The pourakarmikas or their supervisor, for potentially overlooking road safety? Or the driver of the trailing car, for not slowing down upon noticing the slow-moving vehicle ahead?

Regardless of the purpose, placing barricades on highways — where vehicles travel at high speeds — is a dangerous practice. If barricades must be placed in emergencies, proper sign boards should be installed well in advance to alert drivers, allowing them enough time to slow down safely and prevent accidents.

I hope the local Traffic Police will raise awareness among those responsible for highway maintenance to prevent such incidents from recurring in the future.

— Dr. S.V N. Vijayendra, Ex-Traffic Warden &  Former Member,  City Traffic Advisory Committee, Mysuru, Camp: North Carolina, USA, 18.2.2025

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