Nagpur: The second capital of Maharashtra, has witnessed a concerning surge in road accidents during the first five months of this year compared to the same period last year. However, amidst this alarming trend, there is a glimmer of hope as fatalities resulting from these accidents have decreased. This indicates an increasing awareness among road users about safety measures, particularly the use of helmets.
According to data received from the City police, Nagpur recorded a total of 476 road accidents from January to May 2023. Tragically, these accidents claimed the lives of 107 individuals and left 495 persons injured. In comparison, during the corresponding months in 2022, the city witnessed 435 road accidents, leading to 131 fatalities and 443 injuries. These statistics reveal an 8.61 percent increase in the number of accidents and an 11.75 percent rise in injuries.
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Wed 4 Dec. 2024
Despite the surge in road accidents, there has been a significant improvement in terms of road fatalities. The number of deaths decreased by 24 (18.32%) during the same period, indicating growing consciousness among road users about the importance of safety gear, particularly helmets. It is worth noting that over 70% of the fatalities in Nagpur were attributed to head injuries.
A police official closely involved in traffic management identified several key causes of road accidents in Nagpur. These include over-speeding, drunken driving, driver distractions, red light violations, non-adherence to safety gear such as seatbelts and helmets, as well as improper lane driving and reckless overtaking. The rise in accidents suggests a violation of traffic rules, particularly in terms of over-speeding.
The decrease in road fatalities alongside the increase in accidents indicates that a larger proportion of vehicle users are acknowledging the significance of wearing safety gear, including helmets. This emphasizes the importance of promoting and enforcing the use of safety equipment to reduce the severity of injuries in accidents. However, the data also highlights the need for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations and greater adherence to speed limits to further reduce the occurrence of accidents.
A retired police official noted that the growing congestion on the city roads is also one of the reasons for the sudden jump in road accident cases. He emphasized the need for intensified efforts by the police to reduce rampant congestion at important junctions, providing much-awaited relief. Effective traffic management, including implementing measures to alleviate congestion, can play a crucial role in improving road safety.
The Second Capital of Maharashtra, Nagpur, has witnessed an alarming rise in road accidents during the first five months of this year. However, the decrease in road fatalities indicates a positive shift in road users’ awareness about safety measures, particularly the use of helmets. To address this issue effectively, it is crucial to prioritize stricter enforcement of traffic regulations, greater adherence to speed limits, and the promotion of safety gear usage. Additionally, efforts to reduce congestion and improve traffic management will contribute significantly to enhancing road safety in Nagpur.
