Fatal roads: Report shows 12,000 deaths since 2008

Since 2008, around 12,000 persons were killed in road accidents in the national capital, according to a report of the National Crime Record Bureau. Whereas, more than 50,000 persons received injuries in 45,694 accidents that took place in the city till 15 June, 2014.

Speaking to Millennium Post, a senior traffic police official alleged that several reasons are responsible for the occurrence of large number of accidents that take place in Delhi. ‘The primary reason is that the roadies (vehicle riders) often flout traffic rules that include red light signal jumping, not wearing seat belts/helmets, over speeding, drunken driving, usage of mobile phones while driving to name a few. On an average, around 10,000 persons are challaned every day. Sometimes, the habitual offenders have to face tough actions like cancellation of driving licenses, registration certificates and the like,’ the official added.

Surprisingly, till 15 June this year, more than 16 lakh persons including drivers of private vehicles, public transport, charted buses, Gramin Sewa services have been fined for traffic rules violation. 

The data further reveals that out of 16 lakh violators, as many as 4 lakh have been challaned for jumping red light signals across Delhi whereas, 45,000 have been challaned for over-speeding. More than 10,000 persons have been caught under the influence of alcohol and have been booked for drunken driving. Shortage of traffic cops is another reason that is provoking riders to violate traffic rules. ‘Even if a single traffic cop is deployed at each signal and other officials in the middle of the roads, riders will think twice before violating traffic norms,’ a source said. 

‘There are 6,000 traffic policemen in Delhi. Out of the total staff, 4,500 cops are deployed on field whereas others are engaged in performing other duties,’ the traffic official added.

Non-functioning red light is another reason resulting in accidents. There are around 863 traffic red light signals and 419 blinkers installed in Delhi. ‘In the absence of traffic signals, motorists try to cross traffic junctions from every side, ignoring all traffic rules and safety measures. After 12 in the mid night most of the traffic signals gets converted into blinkers due to minimized traffic movement. But these blinkers often become the reason behind late night accidents,’ the official added. Data revealed that 40% of the total accidents took place during the night hours.

Pedestrian problems (not sufficient passages for pedestrian to cross the roads), road engineering (unpredictable curves with improper warning sign boards) are other reasons behind road accidents. 

‘If a rider is following all traffic norms, his short tempered behaviour make him an accused. In this case there is high possibility that a minor collision will turn into a road rage,’ the official said.