Mizoram Road Accidents Claim 112 Lives in 2024: Authorities Raise Concern

AIZAWL: At least 112 people have lost their lives in road accidents across Mizoram in 2024, according to a senior official from the state transport department. The alarming figures highlight the growing concern over road safety in the state.

According to State Transport Secretary Zosangliana, 124 road accidents were recorded in Mizoram this year. The statistics underpin the constant dangers on the roads, prompting the authorities to call for necessary measures to address reckless driving and make the roads safer.

Over the past five years, 2019-2023, Mizoram experienced 423 road accidents with 355 causalities. This has caused immense concern regarding the traffic discipline and the responsibility of drivers in the state. A deeper analysis of the accidents in the five years reveals that negligence by human elements has played a major role.

The transport secretary has said that 75% of road accidents are due to careless or corrupt driving, resulting in 253 deaths. In 85 accidents, drunken driving has been a killer, and the number of fatalities was 69. The data shows that there were 28 fatalities in wrong-side driving, and mobile phone usage during driving resulted in five deaths.

According to data, a huge percentage of accidents would have been prevented if strict measures were taken regarding traffic rules and awareness programs were conducted. As of January 24, 2024, 3,99,290 vehicles have been registered under Mizoram's transport department. More vehicles on the road raise a need for effective traffic management and stricter rules and regulations to avoid accidents.

To address the issue, Mizoram launched Road Safety Month on Saturday under the theme “Drive with Utmost Care and Safety.” The initiative aims to spread awareness about responsible driving, promote adherence to traffic rules, and reduce the number of road fatalities.

Given the alarming rise in road accidents, authorities and experts are emphasizing the need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws, regular awareness campaigns on the dangers of reckless and drunk driving, improved road infrastructure and traffic management systems, and mandatory driver training programs to instill responsible driving habits.

As the increasing number of Mizoram road accidents continues to strike, proactive measures are necessary that ensure safer roads for road users. Since Road Safety Month is a necessary reminder that prudent driving can result in saving several lives, making Mizoram roads safer is one's responsibility of every road user.

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