Hyderabad: How to ensure pedestrian safety in city of pearls

Hyderabad: Hyderabad is facing a growing problem of speeding vehicles, resulting in multiple accidents involving pedestrians and morning walkers.

Three incidents in a single month have raised concerns about pedestrian safety in the city. Additionally, the rainy season poses its own set of challenges with incidents of electrocution in parks posing danger to life and property.

Despite safety concerns, pedestrians and runners are taking proactive measures and advocating for better safety practices.

Geetha R, a resident of Balamrai in Secunderabad, now walks at Parade Ground instead of Sanjeevaiah Park every morning., "Last year, there were worrying incidents of electrocution in some parks during the rainy season, which makes me feel uneasy about visiting parks early in the mornings. Hyderabad lacks a designated ‘no vehicle zone,’ like the one Vizag has. Since ours is a metropolitan city and the traffic is uncontrollable, we should at least have no vehicle zone in each area with certain timings. This way it provides a peaceful environment for walkers,” she says.

Red light runners a threat to safety

Mohini Sastry, a pedestrian from Kothapet, said, "If you are standing at the Kothapet junction, with LB Nagar to your left, Dilsukhnagar to your right, and Saroornagar straight ahead, all of these roads are two-way roads. If you want to cross the road from the Kothapet or KFC service road to the zebra crossing, there is always one-way traffic: vehicles going from Dilsukhnagar to LB Nagar never stop at the red light, unless they want to make a U-turn and go back to Dilsukhnagar or Saroornagar. So, regardless of the signal, vehicles continue to jump red light. Even though traffic police are present, there is no control. As a result, it is becoming increasingly difficult for pedestrians to cross the zebra crossing and reach the opposite road, especially in the midst of heavy vehicles, tourist buses, school, and college buses."

Education is the key

Sriharsha Tulasi, an IT professional who runs a road safety advocacy group on Twitter with the name Team Road Squad, has shared crucial points with NewsMeter aimed at educating pedestrians and motorists to enhance pedestrian safety on the streets.

“Drivers of large SUVs must be aware of the potential hazards they can cause, especially concerning small children. Due to limited visibility, children walking in front of big SUVs might not be seen by the driver. Therefore, SUV drivers are urged to check their parking sensors or cameras before moving their vehicle, ensuring no child pedestrians are in harm's way. At the same time, parents must also educate their children about staying cautious around big vehicles,” the group said.

The concept of pelican crossings remains unfamiliar to many people in Hyderabad. For example, at locations like NIMS Hospital, pedestrians cross the road during the green light without realizing the proper usage of pelican crossings. There is a need for extensive awareness to inform the public about the purpose and significance of pelican crossings, and reliance on traffic police alone for their operation should be addressed.

Pedestrians are advised to walk in the opposite direction of vehicles, particularly on undivided roads. This practice ensures that they are aware of approaching traffic from behind, reducing the risk of accidents. The recent accident in Bandlaguda serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of this practice.

Furthermore, Sriharsha emphasized that pedestrians should exercise caution around buses. “Bus passengers who disembark from buses immediately become pedestrians. It is crucial for pedestrians to exercise caution and never cross in front of heavy vehicles like buses. Drivers have numerous blind spots around buses, making it difficult to spot pedestrians. The efforts of TSRTC in fitting front mirrors to check for crossing pedestrians are commendable and must be emulated by other transport authorities.”

Suggestions

Team Road Squad has two suggestions for the government to enhance pedestrian safety. Preserving Footover Bridges (FOBs are key).

“FOBs should never be closed with advertisements or hoardings, as this can encourage squatting by homeless people and anti-social elements, making them unsafe for pedestrians. Keeping FOBs open and accessible to everyone, especially women, will enhance safety,” the group said/

“Secondly, special attention must be given to wheelchair access for pedestrians. Ramps intended for wheelchair access should not be used for parking vehicles. Strict enforcement or access cards can be introduced to prevent misuse.”

From a medical perspective, it is crucial for car drivers and bike riders to understand the severity of knee injuries that pedestrians suffer in pedestrian-motorist accidents. Knee injuries top the list of harm caused, underscoring the need for cautious driving and prioritizing pedestrian safety.

Safety Tips

According to road safety author Naresh Raghvan, the top pedestrian safety tip is to walk on the footpath whenever possible. “If there is no footpath, walk facing the traffic, not in the same direction as the traffic flow. This way, if a vehicle loses control and comes towards you, you can quickly move out of harm's way,” he says.

“When crossing a multi-lane road, wait for one side of the road to be completely empty before starting to cross, then wait at the median for the other side to clear before continuing. Avoid crossing one lane at a time and stopping in the middle of the road, as this increases the risk of accidents. If there are more than four lanes of traffic, find a pedestrian crossing or alternative route to cross safely.”

“Never cross in front of buses or heavy vehicles, as they have blind spots and may not see you. When crossing with children, always hold their hands and avoid distractions like using your phone. Remember to look both ways before stepping onto the road to ensure your safety,” adds Raghvan, who regularly posts information on his Twitter handle @TopDriveIndia.

Running safely

Samuel Sudhakar, an ex-banker and an ultra runner, says that people must safeguard their own interests and take safety measures while walking on footpaths or roads. He highlights the need for stricter controls on issuing driving licenses and speeding. However, he acknowledges that controlling high-speed driving is challenging, especially with powerful bikes not designed for Indian roads.

"I urge citizens to stay vigilant, take safety precautions, and walk on the right side of the road to reduce the risk of accidents. Despite efforts by the community, there's limited progress in holding reckless drivers accountable for accidents. Education and risk mitigation are crucial, as total control over speeding seems unlikely."

To ensure a safer running experience, Samuel offers simple tips. He says, “Always run against traffic, consider having a run buddy, vary your routes, wear reflective gear, stay alert to your surroundings, and trust your instincts.”

“Avoid poorly lit and secluded areas, limit earphone usage, and refrain from sharing running routes on social media. Also, before heading out, avoid wearing jewelry or carrying excessive cash, inform someone about your running plans, and carry identification,” adds Samuel.

Stay safe in parks during rainy season

To stay safe while walking in parks during the rainy season, follow these tips: avoid areas with exposed electrical wires, stay away from trees as wet leaves can conduct electricity, be mindful of your surroundings and watch out for puddles of water, and if you spot a downed power line, keep a safe distance and promptly inform the authorities.