Mangaluru: The mayor of Mangaluru City Corporation, Sudheer Shetty Kannur, is taking decisive action to address road safety concerns in the city following a distressing accident near the Gandhi Nagar area. In this incident, a car tragically veered onto the footpath, resulting in the death of a pedestrian and injuries to four others.
Acknowledging a Longstanding Issue
Mayor Sudheer Shetty Kannur acknowledged the persistent problem with the footpath that extends from Mannagudda towards Ladyhill. He is committed to addressing this issue promptly. The mayor intends to hold discussions with city engineers to explore potential solutions. These may include raising the height of the footpath or installing improved kerbs to enhance pedestrian safety. Residents can expect swift action to rectify this situation.
A Comprehensive Plan for Safer Roads
Understanding that this problem is not isolated, Mayor Shetty has unveiled a comprehensive plan to improve road safety. After the upcoming Dasara festival, he plans to initiate weekly morning walks along selected road stretches. These walks will involve the participation of the MCC Commissioner and engineers. Their aim is to systematically document issues affecting both road users and pedestrians. Subsequently, they will direct engineers to address these concerns promptly.
The Importance of Safety Standards
A road safety expert emphasized the significance of employing barrier or semi-barrier kerbs on urban roads with high pedestrian traffic. These safety features serve as a deterrent against speeding vehicles encroaching onto footpaths. The recent accident in Mannagudda could potentially have been averted with the implementation of such safety standards.
A Holistic Approach to Accident Reduction
BS Balakrishna, a retired superintending engineer with extensive experience in public works and a current member of key committees, emphasized that reducing accidents necessitates a comprehensive approach. This approach includes proper road design, strict enforcement of regulations, and educating road users. Thoughtful urban planning plays a pivotal role, and providing designated parking spaces in front of large buildings is essential to safeguard pedestrians. Furthermore, advocating for wider and more pedestrian-friendly footpaths is a key aspect of creating safer roads, mirroring practices in developed countries.
Mayor Sudheer Shetty Kannur’s proactive stance demonstrates the city’s commitment to enhancing road and footpath safety for all residents and visitors. The incident near the Gandhi Nagar area has highlighted the need for collective efforts to create a safer urban environment in Mangaluru.
