The year 2022 registered 1,446 vehicular accidents in Ahmedabad city alone with 418 fatalities confirmed. That means every fourth accident led to a person being killed. This is a steady rise from the 2021 figures which show 1,195 accidents and 358 deaths. In comparative terms, 2022 was dotted with 251 more accidents and 60 more deaths.
The rising numbers are as much an indicator of the ever-increasing vehicular population as much as the failure of an already over-burdened road system. Rash driving and pedestrians in a hurry to cross, have also emerged as factors contributing to the accidents.
According to senior police officers, 2022 saw 1.53 lakh vehicles added, with 98,601 two-wheelers and 44,733 four-wheelers.
Significantly, the eastern parts of Ahmedabad reported more mishaps than the western with the numbers being 259 and 159 respectively. Police constables have reported bad roads, narrow exit points and potholes being a major impediment to the smooth flow of traffic, added senior officials. “There are no pedestrian overbridges or clearly marked crossings in this segment,” it was explained.
However, the western fringes of the city saw more fatalities with 355 accidents leading to serious injuries. “Roads and highways move fast here and rash driving is often the cause,” police officers drew a contrast with the nature of accidents in the eastern half.
The Narol-Naroda stretch of NH 48 on the eastern limits has proved a challenge for pedestrians and two-wheelers. Added, SP Ring Road saw the highest number of deaths in accident. “There are now flyovers to ease the traffic and bottle-necks further slow down traffic movement. Everyone is in a rush and one small error or oversight, or two-wheelers choosing a short cut and coming the wrong way on the road, are often the causes,” added traffic control officers.
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