'Vehicles Are Killing Machines, If Not Used Correctly': Kerala High Court Asks State To Ensure Scientific Management Of Zebra Crossings

Justice Devan Ramachandran was considering a matter concerning road safety and “Zebra crossing”.

When the case was taken up, the Court was informed that a pedestrian was recently injured, and possibly killed, while attempting to cross a marked zebra crossing after being hit by a negligent vehicle.

Calling the incident “a stark reminder of how casually our society views driving culture,” the Bench observed that every vehicle, when driven recklessly, becomes “a sure killer.”

“Vehicles are Killing Machines, if not used correctly,” the bench orally remarked

The Court noted that despite earlier assurances from the Inspector General (Traffic) and reports filed by Senior Government Pleader K.V. Manoj Kumar, zebra crossings in major cities like Kochi remain either unavailable or unscientifically maintained, directly contributing to accidents.

The order criticised the lack of regard for pedestrian safety, pointing out that zebra crossings are often obstructed by illegally parked vehicles, and pedestrians are frequently forced to negotiate moving traffic even when traffic lights are in their favour.

“It is a shame that the situation continues without change, despite repeated accidents involving even loss of life,” the Court said.

While the Government Pleader submitted that authorities were attending to the matter, the Court made it clear that “mere words won't do unless it translates into real action," the Bench noted, judges themselves had personally witnessed the chaotic and dangerous conditions prevailing on Kochi's roads.

Emphasising that a new “road culture” cannot be achieved through preaching but only through decisive action, the Court directed the Inspector General (Traffic) and the Secretary of the Public Works Department to personally intervene. The Court directed them to ensure that every major junction and intersection in major cities has scientifically designed zebra crossings, properly managed traffic signals for both vehicles and pedestrians, and unobstructed passageways.

“Since the issue involves the lives of people, I hope that paucity of funds would not be cited as a reason not to do what is imperative.” the Court remarked.

The Court also directed the personal appearance of IG (Traffic), the Secretary (PWD) and the Transport Commissioner, for online interaction, for the next hearing.

The matter is posted after three weeks.

Case Title: District Insurance Officer v Joy Wilson

Case No: MACA 352/ 2022

Counsel for Appellant : K V Manojkumar

Counsel for Respondents: Srinath Girish, P Jeril Babu, M K Sumod, Abdul Rasoof Pallipath, Vidya M K , Nirmal S