284 deaths expose extreme vulnerability of pedestrians

More pedestrians died in accidents than other road users in 2017.

A total of 284 pedestrians lost their lives, while 1,346 sustained injuries, according to the city traffic police.

The number of deaths is slightly lower than in 2016, when 320 pedestrians lost their lives. This year's number indicates a 11% fall in deaths.

However, the percentage of pedestrians injured has risen by 4%. In 2016, 1,292 pedestrians were injured.

The main reasons for pedestrian accidents are lack of footpaths, poor street lighting and unsafe pedestrian crossings, according to R Hithendra, Additional Commissioner (Traffic).

The city's pavements are not pedestrian-friendly. "Encroachment and obstructions by footpath vendors and shops are among the reasons for pedestrian deaths," he said.

Traffic expert M N Srihari said the deaths had fallen marginally because traffic had slowed down in the city.

"The condition of city pavements is poor. The civic authorities should come up with good quality footpaths. The police should also improve road crossings," he said.

Black holes

"A majority of pedestrian fatalities were reported from the outskirts of the city and on the ring roads," Hitendra said.

Tumkur Road, Hosur Road, KR Puram, Old Madras Road, Mysuru Road, Electronics City, and Outer Ring Road are among the most hazardous places in and around the city.

"These stretches witness heavy pedestrian movement and lack safe pedestrian crossings," he added.