New speed resistors won’t be harsh on your vehicle
SMOOTH RIDE Similar to those laid at the finish line of race tracks, say officials
NEW DELHI: The New Delhi Municipal Council installed experimental red patches of speed resistors, said to be similar to those laid out at the finish lines of race tracks to safely slow down racers, on five accidentprone stretches.
With Delhi seeing numerous accidents caused due to speeding every year, and the rumble strips not being effective enough in reducing vehicle speed, according to experts, the new design is expected to tackle the problem.
“Unlike the rumble strips or the speed breakers, these speed resistors will slow down the vehicle without causing any danger to the driver or passengers. In many cases, passengers are seriously injured when their vehicle is obstructed by a speed bump. These speed resistors, however, automatically slow the movement,” said an NDMC official.
This is achieved by the speed resistors’ rugged surface coming in contact with the tyres to increase friction. This automatically slows down the vehicle speed without any jerk, unlike bumpy rumble strips and steep speed breakers, said NDMC officials.
Currently, it is being tested out on Sunehri Bagh Road at the Udyog Bhawan roundabout, Minto Road in Connaught Place and portions of Akbar Road. These have been put up for trial. Depending on their success, more may be laid out later. “These are actually speed-calming measures which in a way warn the drivers that their speed is too high. The rumbling or the shivering that this surface creates (in vehicles) also alerts drivers. In many countries, these are installed around the edge of roads to stop the vehicles from bumping into sidewalks,” said Delhi Traffic Police chief Muktesh Chander.
Till October 15, there have been 654 accidents (fatal and non-fatal) caused solely because of speeding. In 2014, the figure stood at 823.