Chevron signages to check mishaps on Zirakpur flyover
Satinder Pal Singh
Zirakpur, December 26
The number of accidents involving two and four-wheelers crashing into road dividers because of sharp curve on the Zirakpur flyover and low visibility primarily due to fog have prompted the GMR Ambala-Chandigarh Expressway Private Limited to install LED chevron signages on the median at the flyover.
The initiative to install LED signages was taken by the firm after two persons lost their lives and three sustained grievous injuries when the car in which they were travelling overturned as its driver, who was reportedly driving at high speed, failed to negotiate a turn due to poor visibility in dense fog on the flyover.
Nearly 10,000 to 15,000 vehicles pass over the Zirakpur flyover every day. During the winter season, there is usually a sharp rise in the number of accidents on this thoroughfare.
GMR officials said they had observed several cases where cars landed on the median and overturned. Several motorists claimed that it became difficult to spot dividers at the curve on the flyover, GMR officials added.
“In order to minimise accidents on the Zirakpur flyover, LED chevron signages have been installed on the median. These signages are expected to help drivers notice dividers from a distance and take evasive action. It will certainly help motorists as well others to navigate the highway even during low visibility at night,” said GMR officials.
“We hope that the installation of chevron signage on the flyover will be of great help to commuters and bring down accidents,” added GMR officials.
According to the Zirakpur police, preventive measures were vital to reduce accidents on the highway and ensure commuters were aware of the road condition when visibility dropped at night.
“Many accidents occur during the winter season in low visibility caused by dense fog. We are constantly in touch with the authorities concerned for taking necessary steps to help motorists navigate highways and expressways even during low visibility,” said Sanjeev Kumar, traffic in-charge, Zirakpur.
“The police have initiated a drive recently to install reflector tapes on commercial vehicles. The drive will bring down the accident rate on roads and highways passing through the city limits,” he added.
Meanwhile, the traffic police have been asked to keep a close tab on speeding, drunk-driving, red light jumping, ensure use of safety gears, including seat belts and helmets, wrong overtaking and ensure adherence to lane driving norms.
What purpose signages serve
Chevron signages draw drivers’ attention towards bends on the road ahead. They are a rectangular shape signs with black arrows on a yellow background. Chevron signages are installed at the start of the bend and are relatively larger in size so that these are visible to commuters while they advance towards bend. These LED signages work well during night hours on non-illuminated roads, where bends cannot be easily spotted by road users.
