Misleading sign boards on the expressways
Where the time factor is concerned, the expressway is a blessing and its value cannot be expressed in words.
As we enter the Southern Expressway for example, the first thing we see is a sign board, ‘No Stopping or Turning’. ‘No Turning’ is certainly accepted. But ‘No Stopping?’.
If the driver feels a dry throat and wishes to drink a little water (We are human beings after all), is he not permitted to pull on to the extreme left, open the water container and have a couple of gulps, or is he expected to attend to the entire process while driving?
Should the driver has a biological requirement of easing the bladder, (we are human beings) is he expected to suppress the urge and proceed nearly 30 to 40 kms to reach a service area to attend to his need?. If the driver suddenly feels an ache or pain physically (we are human beings) is he not permitted to stop and rest for a while and continue?
We quite often see sign boards displaying ‘100 kmph’. The fact is we can even drive at 40 kmph on the left lane, without disturbing fast moving vehicles on the other lane. But, an ordinary or ignorant driver will certainly have the impression that he has to maintain 100 kmph simply because this is an expressway. Is it not better to make it read “Max.100 kmph” which is more comprehensive?
Also, the distance to destinations (which is very important) is hardly displayed. Instead, some unknown three digit numbers followed by an English letter are seen below the name of destination, which the motorists have nothing to do with.
In ordinary roads, the driver is always up and alert, as he has to react continuously to avoid various obstructions like a pedestrian attempting to cross the road suddenly, a cyclist entering the main road from some by-lane, an animal darting across the road and also the faults committed by other motorists, where he has to steer the wheel and or apply brakes frequently.
He has the freedom to stop at any desired place, enjoy a fruit or a thambili from one of the numerous wayside stalls, or to have a snack and or a cup of tea etc. But, on the expressway, the driver is passively keeping both hands on the steering wheel even at 100 kmph, (“Hardly any Turning”) and he will only see the continuous view of the passing railings where there is a tendency for him to feel sleepy (we are human beings) or fall asleep especially after a heavy meal.
For the kind attention of relevant authorities and concerned motorists please.
A road user