Motorists are sounding alarms over multiple aquaplaning hotspots along newly widened National Highway-66,especially between Kozhikode and Malappuram districts. These stretches have turned hazardous, particularly in monsoon, as water pools on road surface create dangerous driving conditions .
Drivers who know route well point to at least six critical spots where accident risk spikes during heavy rain . Problem worsens with many drivers, unaware of aquaplaning,speeding through these zones,often over 80 km/h in overtaking lane. High speeds plus waterlogged roads. A recipe for disaster.
A contractor from Payyoli,once worked on road's construction, blames poor surfacing. Says qualified engineers could fix it if authorities prioritized driver safety. But many motorists feel ignored by local reps and National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). Often dismissed as typical monsoon issue.
Dileep Karanattu,an ambulance driver from Moodadi,worried for drivers new to these conditions. Warns without cautionary measures,they risk losing control,possibly crashing into dividers or swerving into other lanes. His concerns highlight urgency.
A Kerala State Road Transport Corporation driver echoed these views,suggesting warning blinkers or signs could offer immediate relief,boost safety at these perilous spots. Notes heavy vehicles less affected,but light vehicles face greater threat if issue ignored.
In response,an officer from Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) said issue has been escalated to higher-ups for solutions. Similar hotspots reported on state highways,two-wheeler riders often suffer most.
NHAI sources admit problem but stress best immediate fix is cautious driving,more awareness among motorists. Inspections of hotspots may soon begin…
