Over 1.73 lakh killed in road accidents in 2023, 1.6% rise: NCRB, Pg14

Key Highlights:

• In 2023, 1.73 lakh people died and 4.47 lakh were injured in road accidents in India, according to the NCRB.
• Road accidents increased by 1.6% from 2022, with total accidents numbering 4,64,029 in 2023.
• Two-wheeler riders accounted for nearly 46% of the fatalities.
• Most accidents (20.7%) occurred between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
• Speeding caused 58.6% of fatalities, while dangerous driving caused 23.6%.

Detailed Insights:

• The rise in road accidents highlights the urgent need for improved road safety measures and stricter enforcement of traffic laws.
• Two-wheeler fatalities were highest in Tamil Nadu (11,490) and Uttar Pradesh (8,370), indicating regional disparities in road safety.
• Accidents involving SUVs/cars/jeeps were most prevalent in Uttar Pradesh (19.2%), suggesting specific challenges related to vehicular traffic management in the state.
• A significant proportion of deaths occurred on National Highways (34.6%) and State Highways (23.4%), emphasizing the need for better highway safety protocols.
• Factors such as poor weather, driving under the influence, and animal crossings contributed to a smaller but still significant number of fatalities.

Key Concepts Involved:

• NCRB (National Crime Records Bureau): A government agency responsible for collecting and analyzing crime data in India.
• Road Safety Audit: A formal safety performance examination of an existing or future road or intersection.