Health of commuters, vehicles at risk: Experts

Coimbatore: Frequent travelling on the stretches that are dotted with speed breakers could cause harm to the body as well as vehicles, caution experts.
Ortho specialists say those with back pain would develop more pain if they regularly travel on the stretches filled with speed breakers.
Although there is a rule to have ramps on both sides of the speed breakers, they say the same is not being followed, leaving more pressure on the body of commuters while negotiating the bumps.According to them, there are instances of people suffering minor fractures to the spinal cord region while hitting the speed breakers.
David V Rajan, director of Ortho-One Orthopaedic Speciality Centre in the city, says those with back pain should be more careful while dealing with speed breakers, as there is a chance for the pain to spread up to the legs as well. “Recently, a patient came in with back pain after hitting a speed breaker. When checked, there was a minor fracture to the spinal cord bone. Those with back pain should avoid sitting on the rear seats while traveling in buses and vans, as the impact will be more there. While travelling on two-wheelers, they have to be extra cautious.”
Pointing out that a normal tyre would last three to five years and a shock absorber for five to seven years in normal conditions, N Selvaraj, a mechanic from Ramanathapuram, says their lifespan might get shorter if the vehicle is used on pothole-filled roads or those dotted with speed breakers.
“Two-wheeler riders who travel on stretches filled with speed breakers regularly should get their vehicles serviced once in two to three months. Otherwise, it might take a toll on them,” he said.