Srinagar: More than 713 people have been killed and 6447 others injured in 5463 road accidents in Jammu and Kashmir last year.
Data accessed by The Kashmir Monitor reveal that J&K has recorded a marginal decline in road fatalities though there has been an 11 percent increase in accidents.
Figures reveal that a total of 5463 road accidents were recorded in 2021. In 2020, 4864 road accidents were reported in J&K.
Figures reveal that as many as 713 people lost their lives in Jammu and Kashmir in 2021 and 6447 persons were injured. In 2020, 728 people lost their lives.
Sixty-five percent of road accidents (3585) were reported from the Jammu division. Around 1876 mishaps occurred in Kashmir. In addition, two railways accidents have been recorded in the Jammu division last year.
In Kashmir, the highest number of 331 of road accidents were reported from Srinagar. It was followed by Anantnag (277), Baramulla (198), Budgam (155), Kupwara (144), Kulgam (133), Ganderbal (133), Awantipora (107), Handwara (103), Sopore (88), Bandipora (80), Pulwama (73) and Shopian (64).
Jammu district topped the list of accidents (1038 ) in the winter capital. It was followed by Kathua (403), Udhampur (382), Samba (374), Rajouri (339), Ramban (286), Reasi (241), Poonch (220), Doda (210), and Kishtwar (92).
A senior official from the traffic department told The Kashmir Monitor that most of the accidents involved two-wheelers.
“A large number of two-wheelers met with road accidents this year. Fatalities of the bike and other two-wheeler riders were more. It was either due to the over-speeding or due to a lack of safety gear. Srinagar- Jammu highway and Pir Panchal regions too experience fatal road accidents due to the topography and prolonged inclement weather which causes landslides and shooting stones,” he said.
The official said the traffic department was constantly raising awareness regarding road safety.
Ministry of Roads and Transport said the major causes of accidents on National Highways are vehicle design and condition, road engineering, over-speeding, drunken driving/ consumption of alcohol and drug, driving on the wrong side, jumping the red light, and use of mobile phones during driving.
Pertinently, the Centre has launched a scheme to create awareness through electronic and print media.
The recently passed motor vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 also enlists huge penalties for ensuring strict compliance and enhancing deterrence.
