City roads safer than before, stats show fewer deaths

Figures from the last four months confirm trend of decline in accidents

Continuing the trend observed over the last three years, the number of people killed in accidents on the city roads has reduced significantly over the last four months.

While 620 people died in 604 fatal road accidents till April 30, 2012, only 536 people have died in 521 accidents till April end this year.

With 84 less deaths, the city roads have witnessed a decline of around 14 per cent in fatalities during the first four months.

While 223 people lost their lives during night hours in 2012, the number has reduced by 43 in theses four months.

Delhi Traffic Police officers said the number is declining due to increase in policing hours as well as improvement in road and traffic infrastructure.

“Traffic police conducted a survey on several roads, including those which have been accident-prone. Several changes are being introduced in the road infrastructure as per the findings that indicated the possible reasons of the accidents,” said Anil Shukla, additional commissioner of police (traffic).

Some of the possible reasons identified for road accidents include broken roads near traffic junctions, broken central verges and grills, waterlogged points and dysfunctional signals.

Officials said several initiatives, like introducing rumble strips to check speed of vehicles, installation of cat-eyes, reflectors and blinkers, have been taken to reduce road accidents.

While fatal accidents have declined both during peak and non-peak hours, the most encouraging aspect has been a substantial decline in fatal accidents during 9 pm–4 am — the time when maximum accident-related deaths are
reported.

Policing stepped up

Cops said increased policing during night hours and special checks on commercial vehicles has brought good results.

“The policing hours of traffic police has been increased from 10 pm to 12.30 am. Moreover, an eye is being kept on the commercial vehicles entering the city after 10 pm,” said Shukla.

Commercial vehicles, especially the trucks and lorries, crossing the city at night are one of the biggest culprits of hit-and-run cases in the city.

The fatal accidents have been on a declining spree over the last three years.
With 1,866 accident-related deaths, 2012 witnessed the minimum number of deaths in road accidents over the last one decade.