State human rights commission has directed PWD to submit a detailed report on accident prevention measures along the Kaimanam-Pravachambalam highway stretch. SHRC chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas has given the PWD executive engineer one month to prepare the report and appear for a hearing on Aug 7.
According to Nemom police, most fatal accidents occur due to pedestrians crossing at unauthorized spots. Since Jan 2020, 459 accidents have been recorded on this stretch. Proposed safety measures include divider fencing and streetlight installation.
The executive engineer must verify implementation of safety features, including fencing, streetlights, zebra crossings and traffic signals. If safety systems are found inadequate, officials responsible must be identified in the report. Despite recent installation of streetlights and guard rails by the corporation, pedestrians continue to cross dangerously. The report will address urgent infrastructure improvements needed to prevent further accidents.
