RTA

Massive human lives lost due to road traffic accidents (RTA) have been a major cause of concern for civil society. Death due to RTA is always a premature death, causing irreparable loss and damage to the families of the deceased. The data as regards the number of accidents in the year 2021, published by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, is shocking and sufficient enough to stir anyone’s heart. The report says, “A total of 4,12,432 road accidents have been reported by states and union territories (UTs) during the calendar year 2021, claiming 1,53,972 lives and causing injuries to 3,84,448 persons.

The number of road accidents in 2021 increased by 12.6% on average compared to the previous year, 2020. Similarly, the number of deaths and injuries on account of road accidents has increased by 16.9% and 10.39%, respectively. This figure translates into an average of 1130 accidents and 422 deaths every day, or 47 accidents and 18 deaths every hour in the country (approximately).

Assam occupies a considerable stake in the aforesaid statistics. In the year 2021, the total number of road accidents that took place in Assam was 7411, out of which 3036 people were killed, leaving the remaining with fatal or minor injuries. Uttar Pradesh, however, is in the top rank in the case of RTA and consequent death, with a quantum of 21227 persons in the year 2021.

what are the major reasons for RTA? A recent study by the Government of India reveals that three main reasons are causing RTA: i) human error, ii) road condition, and iii) vehicular condition. An accident caused by human error includes: a) traffic rule violations b) Driving without a valid licence; and c) Non-use of safety devices Again, traffic rule violations include “overspeeding,” which is the main reason for road accidents leading to death and injuries. During the year 2021, “overspeeding” caused 71.7% of the total accidents, 69.6% of the total deaths, and 72.9% of the total injuries. ‘Driving on the wrong side’ is the second-most important reason for road accidents, accounting for 5.2% of the total accidents in 2021.

That apart, ‘drunken driving/consumption of alcohol and drugs’, ‘jumping a red light,” and ‘use of a mobile phone while driving’ are some other major reasons for accidents resulting in death and major injuries. In the year 2021, 9.5% of the total accidents and 9.8% of the total deaths were caused by the aforesaid three reasons. Undoubtedly, these data are alarming. We need stringent laws to prevent and/or reduce the number of fatal accidents that claim valuable human lives.