Nagpur: The roads in the Second Capital of Maharashtra are turning ‘serial killers’ as the city is witnessing an alarming rise in fatal road accidents in the first half of 2024. Between January and June, 177 fatal accidents claimed 192 lives, marking a significant increase compared to previous years. This upward trend is particularly concerning given that the entire year of 2023 saw 294 fatal accidents.
The data from the Nagpur City Traffic Police reveals a grim picture. In the first six months of 2024 alone, 177 fatal accidents were reported, resulting in the deaths of 168 males and 24 females. Additionally, 43 males and 12 females sustained serious injuries during this period. When compared to 2023, which recorded 294 fatal accidents with 258 males and 50 females killed, and 81 injuries, the surge in fatalities this year is stark.
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The statistics for earlier years also show worrying trends. In 2022, 294 accidents led to 264 male and 46 female fatalities, with 115 injuries. The year 2021 saw 255 fatal accidents, resulting in 219 male and 49 female deaths, while 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, recorded 195 fatal accidents with 185 males and 28 females killed. In 2019, 233 fatal accidents were reported, claiming the lives of 208 males and 42 females.
Infrastructure issues: A major cause of accidents: Senior police officials attribute the sharp rise in road accidents to deteriorating road conditions, worsened by ongoing infrastructure projects. The construction of cement roads and flyovers has created hazardous driving conditions due to the absence of essential safety measures. Contractors have been criticized for neglecting the installation of reflectors, traffic marshals, and blinking lights at construction sites, leading to a significant number of accidents.
For instance, 24 construction sites for cement roads reported 19 major accidents, resulting in six deaths and 15 injuries. These statistics underscore the urgent need for better safety protocols at construction zones.
Rash driving and lack of helmet use: Traffic safety experts highlight additional factors contributing to the rise in road fatalities. Rash driving and the failure to wear helmets are major concerns. Accidents involving two-wheeler riders who fall on cement roads without helmets often result in severe head injuries. The recent tragic incident on Manish Nagar-Besa Road, where a woman riding pillion was killed after falling on a cement road and being crushed by a truck, underscores the critical need for helmet use by both riders and pillion passengers.
The surge in road fatalities in Nagpur is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. With ongoing construction projects and worsening road conditions, the city must prioritize road safety measures to prevent further loss of life. Implementing stricter safety protocols at construction sites, promoting helmet use, and addressing broader traffic safety concerns are essential steps to curb the rising toll of road accidents.
