40% of 6,001 road accidents on NHs from Jan to Oct in Assam

 (An accident at Jalukbari in Guwahati on May 30 this year. (A Sentinel file photo)

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Assam recorded 6,001 road accidents, leading to 2,606 fatalities and 4,800 injuries, from January to October, this year.

The top five districts with the highest fatalities during this period were Kamrup (R), Kamrup (M), Nagaon, Sonitpur, and Goalpara. Notably, 40.89 percent of accidents occurred between 15 and 21 hours, with 40 percent happening on national highways. Furthermore, 76 percent of accidents occurred in open spaces, residential zones, and market areas. A disconcerting statistic revealed that in 2021, 78.88 percent of total deaths occurred within the age group of 18 to 45 years, representing the most productive segment of the population.

In line with the Chief Minister's appeal to make road safety awareness a mass movement, Transport Minister Parimal Suklabaidya will inaugurate the "Path Suraksha Jan Andolan," a statewide awareness campaign, on November 19, 2023. The campaign was initiated on the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, aiming to reduce road accidents and fatalities in Assam.

During the same year, pedestrians and non-motorized vehicle users accounted for a significant 28 percent of crash victims, underscoring the vulnerability of these road users. Furthermore, a startling 60 percent of crashes involve two-wheelers and four-wheelers, emphasizing the urgent need for targeted safety measures. Adding to the concern, heavy vehicles like buses and trucks contribute to 8 percent of the total crashes on these highways. On the other hand, over-speeding tops the list at 68 percent, followed by driving on the wrong side (7.12%), drunken driving (9.14%), mobile phone use (3.60%), red light jumping (1.52%), and 10.84% attributed to various other causes.

Following the awareness campaign, a bike rally will be led by the Transport Minister himself, covering 35 districts, 126 LACs, accident-prone areas, etc. The rally will include awareness meetings with stakeholders, including government officials, students, drivers, and the public, to sensitize them on the necessity of road safety and instill a sense of responsibility among citizens.

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