Significant decrease in road accidents and casualties revealed in Jharkhand road safety review

Ranchi: In a comprehensive review during a road safety meeting chaired by ADG Operations Sanjay Anandrao Lathkar, Jharkhand witnessed a notable improvement in road safety statistics. The data presented disclosed a remarkable shift in the percentage increase in road accidents and fatalities over the past three years.

In the year 2020-21, the state experienced an 11.49% increase in road accidents from January to November. However, in the subsequent year (2021-22), this rate decreased to 9.32%. The most recent data for the year 2022-23 revealed a substantial drop, with the percentage increase plummeting to a mere 2.83% during the same period.

Similarly, concerning the number of deaths in road accidents, the statistics showcased a positive trend. In 2020-21, there was a significant 21.63% increase in fatalities from January to November. This alarming trend saw improvement in 2021-22, with the percentage increase reducing to 10.01%. Impressively, in the year 2022-23, the figure further decreased to 7.04%, indicating a commendable improvement in road safety.
Analyzing the data on the number of injuries sustained in road accidents, a contrasting trend emerged. In 2020-21, there was a marginal 0.79% increase in injuries from January to November. However, this figure surged in 2021-22, recording a 15.41% increase. The latest data for 2022-23 showcased a substantial decline, reaching -4.72% during the same period, signifying a notable improvement in minimizing injuries.

The meeting also addressed precautionary measures for the upcoming festive season, with ADG Abhiyan directing the identification of picnic spots to enhance safety during Christmas and New Year celebrations. The public was advised to drive cautiously, avoid speeding, and abstain from alcohol consumption during these festivities.

ADG further suggested a unique initiative where people in every district would voluntarily leave their vehicles for a day and commute on foot, emphasizing the need for public awareness and participation. Instructions were issued to celebrate Road Safety Week in January 2024.

The police have actively contributed to raising awareness through initiatives like “No Helmet, No Petrol.” Notable enforcement actions include imposing penalties in 3497 cases of driving without a license, 2197 instances of overspeeding, 1718 cases of red light jumping, 2509 instances of not wearing seat belts, and 10747 cases of riding without helmets under the Motor Vehicle Act from January 10, 2023, to November 30, 2023. These efforts reflect a comprehensive strategy to enhance road safety and reduce accidents in the state.