PROTRUDING kerb extensions are a necessary safety feature along road intersections to slow or calm traffic.
However, the intentional road narrowing should be clearly indicated to warn drivers, especially those unfamiliar with the route.
Along Jalan 17/1a in Section 17, Petaling Jaya, there is a kerb that extends about 2m into the road.
There are no safety features to warn drivers. I’m sure many unsuspecting drivers have driven over the kerb resulting in damage to their vehicles.
The latest incident occurred on Feb 14 at 8pm when a driver drove over this kerb damaging his front left tyre.
The driver made a claim with the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ), but it was rejected.
According to MBPJ, roads under the city are built according to the Petaling Jaya Universal Design Guidelines 2019 Edition and there was no evidence the accident was caused by the negligence on its part.
However, the guideline covers accessibility requirements for pedestrian paths, public facilities and parking to ensure compliance with universal design.
The writer did not find any mention on universal design and standard for kerbs. The guideline was to ensure that the facilities constructed by MBPJ also cater for people with disabilities.
The kerb extension in Jalan 17/1a is a bulb-out (a traffic calming measure that widens the walkway for a short distance).
This encourages drivers to slow down, enhancing safety for both pedestrians and vehicles.
Pedestrians standing on a bulb-out are more visible to oncoming traffic than those standing on the road.
Key safety features such as reflective bollards are often installed from the tip of the protruding kerb to alert drivers, especially at night.
The kerb area is usually painted with retroreflective paint to make the extension visible to approaching drivers.
The surrounding of the protruding kerb must be illuminated with street lights to improve visibility.
I hope the authorities can incorporate the safety features for kerb extensions to prevent accidents to unsuspecting drivers.
WONG SOO KAN
Petaling Jaya
