The country’s latest road accident data for the year 2021 released by the National Crime Records Bureau has revealed some startling facts that need to be seriously looked into and addressed in order to reduce fatalities. According to the report, 1,55,622 persons were killed and 3,71,884 injured in 4,03,116 road accidents reported during 2021 against 1,33,201 fatalities out of 3,54,796 cases in 2020, which is an increase of 16.8% in terms of deaths and 0.45% rise in rate of deaths per thousand vehicles. The sharp spike in accidents as well as fatalities last year could be seen as a result of the dip in the previous year which witnessed travel restrictions due to the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, but the number is the highest since 2014. The fact remains that most tragic accidents are caused by human carelessness. This is substantiated by the government data that showed overspeeding accounting for most road accidents (59.7% of total accidents) reported during 2021, resulting in 87,050 deaths and 2,28,274 injuries; followed by dangerous, careless driving or overtaking (42,853 deaths), while driving under influence of drug or alcohol caused 2,935 deaths in the country. The report also said that National Highways and State Highways account for 54.23% of road accidents last year though its share road length in the country is only 5%. Nagaland too has witnessed several tragic accidents along the National Highway between Dimapur and Kohima of late. The police have pointed at overspeeding and rash driving, especially at U-turns, for the spike in fatal accidents on this stretch of road.
This is a worrying trend but it can be drastically reduced by creating awareness among the people on road safety and checking overspeeding by the authorities. Following safety measures as simple as buckling up the seat belt can significantly reduce accident-related fatalities. Studies have said that safety features like airbag in vehicles and use of seat belt can reduce mortality by a huge percentage during a mishap. And with two wheelers accounting for maximum deaths at 44.5%, followed by cars (15.1%) and trucks/lorries (9.4%), out of the total fatal road accidents reported in India last year, wearing of helmets should be made compulsory, including the pillion rider, across the country. The concerned authorities also should install electronic devices at high risk and high-density corridors on National Highways, as directed by the Centre, for quick identification of incidents and providing assistance. Installing good signage can also reduce fatalities of pedestrians at road crossings and near educational institutions. Civic sense and simple safety measures can save precious lives.