Visakhapatnam: Absence of traffic signals, poorly maintained pathways, unchecked street vending, and inadequate road safety measures have put the lives of pedestrians at risk in many parts of Andhra Pradesh.
A concerning trend emerged in urban traffic safety as pedestrian casualties continue to rise in the state. Walking, always an unsafe way to commute in parts of the state, has become more hazardous in recent years. According to information, the number of pedestrians killed on the roads rose by over 2.3% between 2018 and 2022, with average daily fatalities of four in 2022.
A total of 7,518 pedestrians were killed on the roads between 2018 and 2022, according to the ministry of road, transport and highways. The data said 1,723 pedestrians were killed in 2019, which was highest in number. This was followed by 1,604 pedestrian deaths in 2022.
The safety of pedestrians has been taken for a ride in Vizag, Vijayawada, Tirupati, Kurnool and few other cities and towns in the state, with no proper provisions made to cross roads at busy junctions. Reaching the other side of the road safely, has become a challenge on daily basis for denizens. Most junctions in Vizag and Vijayawada cities lack foot-over-bridges. Hence, pedestrians are compelled to cross busy roads, putting their lives at risk. There are zebra crossings at all major intersections on the road, but the indisciplinary attitude of the drivers puts pedestrians at risk.
“There is a huge necessity for civic bodies and National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to construct foot-over bridges (FOBs) at various places in order to avoid road crashes in the view of pedestrian safety,” opined K Murali, a resident of MVP Colony in Vizag city.
“Though local residents have been long demanding foot over bridges at Kommadi, Madhurawada, Carshed Junction, Hanumanthuwaka, Maddilapalem, Gajuwaka and few other localities in Vizag city, it was all in vein as the authorities have no concern for the safety of pedestrians,” said a senior citizen NS Rao.
The road traffic has been escalating substantially in cities and towns, with elevated medians being constructed on bustling thoroughfares to facilitate smoother traffic flow. However, the local bodies and other stakeholders remain negligent in providing essential pedestrian amenities such as FOBs, subways or implementing zebra crossings to ensure hassle-free road crossing.
While there were several factors that rendered some roads perilous in the state, experts pointed out that some motorists disregarding traffic signals and riding on pavements to circumvent congestion were the principal reasons for pedestrian fatalities.
