Motorists flag dangerous aquaplaning hotspots on NH 66
Several aquaplaning hotspots on the newly widened Highway-66 between Kozhikode and Malappuram districts have emerged as a major safety concern, with motorists warning that the
Several aquaplaning hotspots on the newly widened Highway-66 between Kozhikode and Malappuram districts have emerged as a major safety concern, with motorists warning that the condition could lead to serious accidents during the monsoon season. Drivers who regularly use the high-speed corridor say at least six locations on the highway have become danger zones, particularly during moderate to heavy rainfall, when water accumulates on the road surface and causes vehicles to lose traction. They point out that many motorists unfamiliar with the phenomenon of aquaplaning continue to drive at high speeds, increasing the risk of accidents. According to drivers who have recently encountered the situation, most of the vulnerable stretches are located along the overtaking lane (fast track), where vehicle speeds frequently exceed 80 kmph.
The combination of high speed and waterlogged surfaces can result in a sudden loss of steering and braking control, they say. A contractor from Payyoli who was previously associated with the road construction work attributes the problem to deficiencies in road surfacing. He maintains that any expert engineer can easily address the issue if the authorities are genuinely interested in finding a solution and ensuring the safety of motorists. Drivers allege that the issue has not received adequate attention from either people’s representatives or road users, many of whom continue to view it as a routine monsoon-related inconvenience. They also complain that the Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is yet to formally respond to the concerns raised by motorists or convene a meeting to discuss remedial measures.
“Many drivers using the route are unfamiliar with the road conditions. In the absence of cautionary measures from the authorities, they are more likely to fall victim to this growing road hazard,” said Dileep Karanattu, an ambulance driver from Moodadi. He warns that vehicles losing control at the affected locations could crash into the divider wall along the overtaking lane or suddenly veer into the middle lane, posing a greater threat to other road users. According to a Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) driver operating on the route, the installation of warning blinkers or signboards could serve as an immediate solution to address safety concerns at these danger zones. While heavy vehicles may be less affected, light motor vehicles face a significantly higher risk if the issue remains unresolved, he adds.
The BriefWire