Most fatal road accidents in Punjab, Goa safest

In Mizoram, a death occurs every 1.17th accident, however, the 97 mishap deaths are relatively minuscule compared to the bigger states such as Punjab with 4,588 deaths occurring in 6,323 accidents. It is followed by Uttarakhand where accident to fatality ratio stands at a death per 1.69 accident, while Uttar Pradesh follows next with a death every 1.91 accident.

Kerala follows Goa in safety, where every 8.27th accident is fatal. In Jammu and Kashmir every 6.52nd mishap is fatal.

Interestingly, the number of road accidents and deaths have progressively been coming down every year. It has come down from 4,97,686 accidents and 1,42,485 deaths in 2011 to 4,86,476 accidents and 1,37,572 deaths in 2013. However, the fatality ratio of the accidents has increased substantially with more road accidents claiming lives. Between 2003 and 2013, barring a slight dip in 2012, the chances of an accident being fatal has been increasing.

In 2003, every 4.72nd mishap led to a death. The number has reduced to a death occurring every 3.53rd accident. “In developing countries the lack of footpaths, service lanes, cycle tracks and non-motorised mode of transport blending with motorised traffic, increases the risk of accidents,” a report “Road Accidents in India” commissioned by the Union ministry of Road Transport said.

Trucks, tempos and tractors account for the highest number of deaths with a share of 27.2 per cent followed by two wheelers (21.4 per cent). The Centre, in a bid to curb the growing fatalities, has now come up with a Draft Road Transport and Safety Bill 2014. Some of its provisions include setting up of a nation-wide “Road Accident Emergency Access Telephone Number” to alert and access first-response emergency services. It also seeks to impose Rs 10,000 fine, two weeks of licence suspension and compulsory refresher training for anyone involved in a mishap.