The lack of proper warning signs and delays in installing temporary signalling systems have raised safety concerns for motorists along accident-prone stretches of the Kannur-Kozhikode National Highway, where road widening is in full swing. Late-night accidents are reportedly rising due to poor illumination in risky areas and the absence of clearly visible dividers.
Heavy vehicle drivers pointed out that two-wheeler riders and light motor vehicle drivers were more prone to accidents as they often failed to notice deep excavations and excess soil dumped along the roadside at night. Many avoid accidents only by driving in convoys, as traffic congestion forces them to slow down near these dug-up sections.
Though contractors have been instructed to install warning boards and dividers to prevent accidents, many use faded, illegible signage. Reflective boards with larger fonts remain missing in several locations, compromising visibility. Barricades placed earlier in accident-prone zones have also fallen into disrepair due to poor maintenance.
“During the day, road workers help prevent mishaps, but at night, there’s no one to guide motorists. Poorly lit construction sites are dangerous, especially for unfamiliar inter-district and inter-State drivers,” said P.V. Sunil, an inter-State truck driver. He added that installing blinkers was essential to alert motorists about danger zones.
Though the traffic police have identified three locations – K.T. Thazham, Nethaji Nagar, and Koodathumpara junction – as the most dangerous areas, no concrete measures have been taken so far to enhance the safety of passengers. Night patrol squads rarely cover these areas due to staffing shortages.
“In some spots, the police have installed blinkers. However, more places need to be covered. At the very least, more barricades and warning boards should be placed,” said V.T. Rathnesh, an autorickshaw driver from Vengeri. He also urged the authorities to clear water-logged ditches along the road, which posed a serious risk to two-wheeler riders.
Meanwhile, Public Works department (PWD) officials said that a safety audit would be conducted with the support of engineers to address public concerns. Contractors have also been asked to review safety measures in accident-prone areas, they added.
