Maha witnessed rise in road accidents, fatalities last year, reveals govt report

The state government’s economic survey report revealed that 63,805 road accidents took place in the state in 2015

After a steady decline, the number of people who died in road accidents across the state went up in 2015.

Last year, 409 more people died on the spot as a result of road accidents as compared to 2014, when 12,803 people were killed. These figures are alarming as the number of people dying in road accidents was relatively low for two consecutive years.

The state government’s economic survey report revealed that 63,805 road accidents took place in the state in 2015. While 13,212 people lost their lives, 39,606 were injured. In Mumbai, 23,347 accidents took place. While 520 people lost their lives, 4,037 were injured.

Mumbai had 10.1% of the 2.7 crore vehicles registered in the state, but 36.6% of the total number of accidents takes place in the city. However, the percentage of fatal accidents in Mumbai just 4% of the state.

While the number of accidents in the state is among the highest in the country, there was gradual decline in the number and fatalities for the past few years until last year.

Road safety experts attribute the craze for speed, violation of rules and drink driving among the causes for the accidents. “There is no control over selling of alcohol on highways. Use of mobiles while driving, hoardings on highways and condition of roads are also responsible for the number of accidents,” said road safety expert Ashutosh Atrey.