NH 66 in Kozhikode: Unsafe driving persists despite widened highway
Despite warnings, motorists on Kozhikode's widened NH 66 are endangering lives through lane violations, illegal parking, and unchecked speeding.
Months after the widening of National Highway 66 in Kozhikode, unsafe driving practices are again raising safety concerns. Despite repeated advisories from the police and the Motor Vehicles department, several motorists continue to change lanes abruptly and overtake indiscriminately on the new six-lane stretch.
A key issue is the misuse of the right lane, which is meant only for overtaking. Many drivers use it as a regular cruising lane, especially in the absence of spot enforcement. The illegal entry of private buses into restricted portions of the highway is also cited by passengers as a major hazard for light motor vehicles.
Local commuters point to a decline in highway patrols. Earlier, squads regularly checked illegal parking along the corridor. Now, several stretches have turned into informal parking spots, creating sudden obstructions for vehicles travelling at speed. Motorcycle riders are said to be among the most frequent offenders in this regard.
A retired traffic police officer who regularly travels between Kozhikode and Kannur observes that many drivers are still not fully familiar with the safety rules for six-lane highways. Sudden lane changes and speed-limit violations have become life-threatening problems on the renovated road.
Delays in clearing broken-down or accident-hit vehicles add to the danger. A recovery van operator notes that no accident helpline numbers are displayed along the highway, leaving road users in distress without immediate assistance. He says people often wait hours for help due to delays in getting permission to display such numbers.
The illegal parking of heavy goods vehicles along the Koyilandy–Vadakara stretch continues unchecked. When questioned, drivers of these vehicles reportedly blame authorities for not providing dedicated parking facilities for inter-State goods carriers. Night patrols by local police rarely act against such unsafe parking, according to a petrol pump employee in Koyilandy.
Meanwhile, officials from the MVD and the highway enforcement squad say an intensified action plan is being prepared. This includes using interceptor vehicles fitted with radar cameras to detect irresponsible driving. Efforts are also underway to activate all surveillance cameras along the completed stretches of the highway in response to the recurring violations.