Motorists traversing Chennai’s Rajiv Gandhi Salai, popularly known as the Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR), have voiced growing concerns over the persistent menace of jaywalking, particularly during nighttime hours. The practice is creating hazardous driving conditions and increasing the risk of accidents along the busy IT corridor.
Drivers report that pedestrians frequently cross the road at undesignated points, especially in areas like Thoraipakkam, Sholinganallur, and Navalur. This behaviour is exacerbated by inadequate lighting on several stretches of the road, making it difficult for motorists to spot pedestrians in the dark. The issue has been compounded by the inadequacy of pedestrian infrastructure, including a lack of sufficient foot overbridges and clearly marked zebra crossings at crucial locations.
Infrastructure Deficiencies Fueling Jaywalking
Residents and commuters have pointed to several infrastructural shortcomings contributing to the problem. The height of median barriers in many areas is insufficient, allowing pedestrians to easily climb over them and step into traffic. While foot overbridges exist on OMR, their usage is reportedly low. Some studies indicate that in 2019, a significant portion of fatalities on OMR involved pedestrians, despite the presence of multiple foot overbridges.
Furthermore, the condition of existing pedestrian infrastructure has come under scrutiny. Reports highlight damaged steps, corroded steel components, and a lack of weather protection on some foot overbridges, making them less appealing and more difficult to use, particularly for the elderly and those with mobility issues. Concerns have also been raised about the strategic placement of these facilities, with some located in low-footfall areas while high-density zones lack adequate crossing points.
The Federation of OMR Residents Welfare Associations (FOMRRA) has been vocal about these issues, with co-founder Harsha Koda frequently highlighting the design flaws in newly constructed medians. He stated that low median barriers, measuring between two to three feet, are ineffective in deterring jaywalking and instead encourage dangerous at-grade crossings. This, in turn, forces motorists to swerve unpredictably, leading to a rise in near-misses and minor accidents.
Calls for Improved Safety Measures
Motorists and residents are urging authorities to implement more robust safety measures. Suggestions include standardizing median heights to a minimum of four to five feet or installing sturdy pedestrian guard railings. There is also a persistent demand for better lighting along the OMR stretch to improve visibility during nighttime hours.
The problem of jaywalking is not new to Chennai. Despite it being a punishable offence with fines, enforcement has been lax, with very few cases being registered. Experts and urban planning consultants emphasize the need for comprehensive campaigns to educate the public about the dangers of jaywalking and to promote the use of designated crossings and facilities like subways and foot overbridges. There is also a call for improved maintenance and accessibility of these pedestrian facilities to encourage their uptake.
The Chennai traffic police have acknowledged the risks associated with jaywalking, but the enforcement of regulations remains a challenge. Efforts to address the issue often involve joint drives with road development authorities, focusing on removing illegally parked vehicles and regulating traffic violations. However, commuters feel that consistent and strict enforcement is crucial to curb the menace and enhance safety on one of Chennai’s busiest corridors.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
