Over 160,000 Lives Lost In Road Accidents In India: Uttar Pradesh Tops

NEW DELHI: New Delhi: India witnessed a staggering 168,491 road accident deaths in 2022, according to the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. This translates to a horrifying loss of over 460 lives every day.

Uttar Pradesh topped the list with 22,595 fatalities, followed by Tamil Nadu (17,884), Maharashtra (15,224), Madhya Pradesh (13,427), and Karnataka (11,702). Even the national capital, Delhi, recorded a high number of deaths, with 1,461 casualties.

These figures paint a grim picture of the current road safety situation in India. While the number of accidents has fluctuated over the years, the number of fatalities remains alarmingly high.

Causes of Road Accidents

The minister, Nitin Gadkari, attributed road accidents to various causes, including:

• Speeding: One of the major contributors to accidents, often leading to fatal consequences.
• Distracted driving: Using mobile phones or other devices while driving can significantly impair judgment and reaction time.
• Drunk driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious offense and significantly increases the risk of accidents.
• Traffic rule violations: Disobeying traffic signals, driving on the wrong side, and lane indiscipline are all major factors contributing to accidents.
• Vehicle and road conditions: Poorly maintained vehicles and inadequate road infrastructure contribute to the risk of accidents.

Steps Taken to Improve Road Safety

The government has implemented several provisions under the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, aimed at improving road safety. These include:

• Enhanced penalties for traffic rule violations: The act increased penalties for various offenses, deterring drivers from engaging in risky behavior.
• Impounding and suspension of licenses: Stringent measures are in place to tackle offenses like over speeding, dangerous driving, and drunk driving.
• Driver training: The act mandates driver refreshing courses to improve awareness and skills.
• Electronic monitoring: Technological advancements like speed cameras and red light cameras are being used to enforce traffic regulations.
• Vehicle safety standards: stricter standards are set for vehicle design and maintenance, promoting safer vehicles on the road.

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The Road Ahead

In addition to the measures mentioned above, here are some additional areas that need focus:

• Improved road infrastructure: This includes better road design, construction, and maintenance to ensure smoother and safer travel.
• Public awareness campaigns: Educating the public about road safety rules and responsible driving practices is crucial to changing behavior.
• Community involvement: Engaging local communities in road safety initiatives can foster a sense of ownership and contribute to positive change.

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