India's National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) has released data indicating a concerning rise in accidental deaths in 2023. The report highlights that over 4.4 lakh lives were lost in accidents, marking an increase of approximately 3% compared to the previous year.

Road Accidents: A Major Contributor

Traffic accidents, encompassing both road and rail mishaps, constituted a significant portion of these accidental deaths, accounting for around 45% of the total. Road accidents alone claimed approximately 1.74 lakh lives, slightly exceeding the Ministry of Road Transport's estimate of 1.73 lakh for the same period. Additionally, around 4,47,969 people sustained injuries in road accidents across the country. Railway track and crossing accidents resulted in 24,000 fatalities.

Key Factors Contributing to Road Accidents

The NCRB report identifies over-speeding and careless driving as major factors contributing to road accidents. * Overspeeding: This was identified as the reason for nearly 59% of all road fatalities. Ministry of Road Transport and Highways reported that overspeeding accounted for 68.4% of all reported road accidents and 68.1% of fatalities. This translated to 3,28,727 accidents and 1,17,682 deaths caused by overspeeding in 2023. * Careless Driving: Dangerous or careless driving or overtaking contributed to 23.6% of fatalities in road accidents. * Other Causes: Poor weather conditions, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and animal crossings also contributed to accidents, accounting for 2.8% of fatalities. Vehicle defects, fatigue and poor road infrastructure are some other causes.

Victim Demographics and Timing

The NCRB data reveals that two-wheeler riders were the most vulnerable, accounting for 45.8% of total road accident deaths. Pedestrians constituted the next largest group of fatalities, accounting for 15.9% of deaths, followed by occupants of SUVs, cars, and jeeps at 14.3%. Most road accidents which is 20.7% of the total, were reported between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.

State-wise Data

The report indicates that the majority of deaths involving two-wheelers occurred in Tamil Nadu (11,490 deaths) and Uttar Pradesh (8,370 deaths). Uttar Pradesh also reported a significant number of deaths related to accidents involving SUVs, cars, jeeps and trucks. Maximum fatalities in road accidents on the National Highways took place in Uttar Pradesh followed by Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh during 2023.

Government Initiatives and Measures

Recognizing the severity of the issue, the government has undertaken several initiatives to reduce road accidents:

• Stricter Rules and Penalties: The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act of 2019 introduced stricter penalties for traffic violations, including hefty fines for offenses like drunken driving, over-speeding, and using mobile phones while driving.
• Compulsory Insurance and Helmet Laws: Mandatory helmet and seatbelt laws have been implemented, along with compulsory two-wheeler insurance, to ensure financial protection for victims and promote safety.
• Awareness Campaigns: The government is conducting public awareness campaigns to educate people about safe driving practices, the importance of wearing helmets and seat belts, and the dangers of drunken driving and over-speeding.
• Improved Road Infrastructure: High priority is given to the identification and rectification of black spots (accident-prone areas) on national highways. Road safety is being integrated into road design at the planning stage.
• Use of Technology: Speed detection devices, CCTV cameras, and traffic management systems are being deployed to monitor traffic and enforce speed limits.
• Cashless Treatment: The Motor Vehicles Act provides a scheme for cashless treatment for accident victims during the crucial "golden hour".

Need for Continued Efforts

Despite these efforts, the NCRB data indicates that road accidents remain a significant challenge in India. Addressing this issue requires a multi-pronged approach, including stricter enforcement of traffic laws, improved road infrastructure, increased public awareness, and promotion of safer driving practices. It is essential for all stakeholders such as the government, law enforcement agencies, and citizens to collaborate and prioritize road safety to save lives and prevent injuries on Indian roads.