Concern over rise in accidents on newly built NH 66 stretch

Recent accidents on National Highway 66 near Calicut University have raised concerns about safety measures on the newly constructed highway. Two back-to-back accidents in two days resulted in three fatalities and half a dozen severe injuries, raising the need for enhanced safety protocols.

The 77-km stretch of NH 66 in Malappuram district has seen a surge in accidents over the past few months, despite being near completion.

Illegal parking of heavy vehicles, especially lorries, on NH 66 is a major concern. A parked lorry was involved in Friday night’s accident at VK Padi near Thalappara, resulting in two fatalities and critically injuring three others.

A child was killed on Sunday afternoon when a speeding car lost control and hit a parked truck at Kohinoor near Calicut University. Road safety experts point to speed as the primary factor in both recent accidents.

“Controlling speed alone can drastically bring down such fatal accidents. It is like some drivers completely ignore the risks even when we constantly remind ourselves that speed can be deadly. We should start teaching the fatal consequences of speeding in a scientific manner right from school,” said P.M. Mohammed Najeeb, road safety expert and former deputy transport commissioner.

Dr. Najeeb pointed out that new highways often see a spike in accidents initially, which tends to decrease as people learn from the consequences. “Awareness campaigns alone are not enough; people often learn through experience and consequences,” he said, drawing from his research on road safety and driver psychology.

On Saturday, MLAs from the district pushed for improved safety measures on NH 66, pinpointing illegal lorry parking as a major accident hazard. Highway safety was a key point discussed at the District Development Committee (DDC) meeting held under the chairmanship of District Collector V.R. Vinod.

Waterlogging on NH 66 during rains is raising concerns. In some areas, water takes longer to drain due to the road design, creating hazardous conditions.

Some motorists have experienced aquaplaning on NH 66 in the monsoon. “Speeds above 70 kmph are risky on wet roads,” warned Dr. Najeeb.

The wet road likely contributed to Friday night’s fatal accident at VK Padi, where a car spun out and hit a parked lorry, killing two youngsters.

Wrong-way entries and exits by drivers are another major concern. At speeds above 70 kmph, entering NH 66 through exits and exiting through entries pose a significant risk.

The DDC meeting on Saturday urged the authorities to monitor these violations using surveillance cameras, which are currently being installed, according to Motor Vehicle department officials.