You read that right! We now have data on the ‘peak crash hours’, if that makes sense. According to a report released by the Delhi Transport Department, most road crash deaths in Delhi occurred from 9 pm to 2 am, on most days. It further says that this is also when most hit-and-run cases occur. The key reason behind this is that people drive faster during these hours due to low traffic around, and could also be prone to drowsiness. The data details cases from the year 2022.
The count of preventable road crashes in 2022, was more than the 2021 numbers. 50% of the victims were pedestrians. 45% were two or three-wheeler drivers and passengers. As per a report released by the Delhi government recently, 1,571 died in 1,517 fatal crashes in CY2022. This marks a 28% Y-o-Y increase and means that at least four were killed every day in road accidents.
Most deaths (approx 97%) were of the relatively vulnerable pedestrians, motorcyclists, cyclists and auto rickshaw occupants. The vehicles involved in these crashes comprised both ICE and EVs. This is more than the national average (70.8%). 89% of the deceased were men and 11% women. The larger share were of the age group 30-39 years.
Accident Rate Was Highest On Sundays, Saturdays And Mondays
The report says that the highest number of road accidents occurred on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays. The weekends generally have more wheels on the roads, and a potentially higher rate of drunk drivers as well. Heavy vehicles and light motor vehicles (LMVs) were responsible for 81% of cases in which the impacting vehicle was known.
Notably, the percentage of hit-and-run cases has moved sideways, sticking to the 59% mark. 57% of the documented hit and runs affected pedestrians while 33% impacted motorcyclists. Proper measures need to be implemented to keep an eye on these, and possibly control the same in the future.
Which Places In Delhi Had The Most Number Of Crashes In 2022?
The most number of fatal crashes and hit-and-runs happened in the North District. It recorded 260 fatal crashes and 150 hit-and-runs. This is closely followed by New Delhi and West districts. The North East district had the least number of incidents.
How Can These Be Reduced In 2024?
If you look at AV evidence, most crashes had to do with unsafe driving practices or improper infrastructure. Enforcing safer and more responsible driving practices and building more footpaths, shorter pedestrian crossing distances on roads, raised crosswalks etc can be of help in reducing the alarming accident rates. Another suggestion is to provide better and more frequent public transport, which could potentially bring down the number of pedestrians and two-wheeler riders on our roads.
Implementing infrastructure and manpower to keep checks on overspeeding and drunk driving are also to be considered a need of the hour. The use of seat belts should be ensured while driving. The use of good-quality AI cameras and additional manpower can be of help. The government could also consider conducting various awareness campaigns and undertake initiatives to educate the people of seatbelts, their importance, and how they influence the deployment of airbags during a crash.
The alarmingly high two-wheeler fatalities can be addressed by pushing for stricter enforcement of the use of proper riding gear and helmets. The quality and safety offered by these should also be ensured. Sub-quality products should be ruled out from being sold in the country. Stricter benchmarking and certification for helmets and riding gear need to be introduced.
