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The Center revealed that in 2022, India saw over 1.6 lakh road accident deaths, with Uttar Pradesh leading in fatalities among states and union territories. Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, shared the statistics in response to Lok Sabha queries. The reported deaths in 2022 reached 1,68,491, compared to 1,53,972 in 2021 and 1,38,383 in the pandemic-affected year 2020. Total road accidents in 2022 were 4,61,312, with Uttar Pradesh recording 22,595 deaths, followed by Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka.
In 2022, India reported a staggering 1,68,491 road accident deaths, with Uttar Pradesh registering the highest number of fatalities. Delhi, the national capital, recorded 1,461 deaths. Road accidents are attributed to various causes such as speeding, mobile phone use, drunk driving, lane indiscipline, and non-use of safety devices.
Major provisions under the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, focus on enhancing road safety and reducing accidents.
Enhanced Penalties: Strict penalties for traffic rule violations.
License Actions: Impounding and suspension for over speeding, dangerous driving, drunk driving, and non-use of safety gear.
Driver Training: Refreshing training courses for suspended license holders.
Automated Testing: Introduction of automated testing for fitness certification.
Other measures include electronic monitoring, vehicle recalls for defects, mandatory protective headgear for motorcycle riders above four years old, and ensuring accountability in road design, construction, and maintenance.
