Number of deaths due to road accidents in India 2005-2022
Road accidents have been a major cause for concern across the Indian subcontinent. In 2022 alone, the country reported nearly 169 thousand fatalities due to road accidents. Each year, about three to five percent of the country’s GDP was invested in road accidents. Notably, while India has about one percent of the world’s vehicle population, it also accounted for about six percent of the global road traffic incidents. Almost 70 percent of the accidents involved young Indians.
Cases and causes
Two-wheelers had the maximum involvement in fatal road accidents across the country in 2018. A major portion of the accidents that year occurred at T-junctions. Over speeding has been a cause for concern throughout the country regardless of day or night-time. Moreover, fast and risky maneuvers and illegal street races on roads and highways not designed for the purpose created significant trouble for the police. Over 65 percent of the accidents occurred on straight roads. Additionally, state highways had a share of about 25 percent of the total road accidents in 2018.
Future scenario
Roughly around 17 accident-related deaths occur across India every hour. Fewer cops and empty roads at night, and sometimes even during the day seem to enable motorists to do away with the traffic rules. However, efforts were made to reduce these discrepancies. The police had equipped themselves with night vision speed guns to identify the culprits. Over speeding fine was increased in the amendment of the Motor Vehicles Act as well. The road network has played a crucial role in India’s economic development and the government is likely to continue to invest resources in making road safety a vital component of everyday commute.
Cases and causes
Two-wheelers had the maximum involvement in fatal road accidents across the country in 2018. A major portion of the accidents that year occurred at T-junctions. Over speeding has been a cause for concern throughout the country regardless of day or night-time. Moreover, fast and risky maneuvers and illegal street races on roads and highways not designed for the purpose created significant trouble for the police. Over 65 percent of the accidents occurred on straight roads. Additionally, state highways had a share of about 25 percent of the total road accidents in 2018.
Future scenario
Roughly around 17 accident-related deaths occur across India every hour. Fewer cops and empty roads at night, and sometimes even during the day seem to enable motorists to do away with the traffic rules. However, efforts were made to reduce these discrepancies. The police had equipped themselves with night vision speed guns to identify the culprits. Over speeding fine was increased in the amendment of the Motor Vehicles Act as well. The road network has played a crucial role in India’s economic development and the government is likely to continue to invest resources in making road safety a vital component of everyday commute.
