The number of accidents in the state has dipped by 8 per cent between 2006 and 2010 despite a steady rise in the number of vehicles. But the number of fatalities still stands tall at 12,340 in 2010,according to data released by Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan. While inaugurating the road safety awareness week,which is being observed by the Traffic Police and the Regional Transport Offices,the Chief Minister said the vehicular population in the state is rising at an annual rate of 10 per cent and though there has been a drop in the total number of accidents,it has been less gradual than the rate of rise in vehicles. The current data tells us that while 78 per cent of all accidents occurred due to errors of the drivers,2 per cent were technical,1 per cent due to bad roads and the remaining owing to weather conditions and other factors, Chavan said. He also stressed the need for better analysis of data in this regard,adding that the current data does not tell us the number of deaths due to violations of traffic rules. We have been trying to make wearing helmets mandatory,but political opposition in the state does not allow us to ensure its implementation. The social mindset about the issue has to change for things to improve, Chavan added. According to official records,the total number of accidents fell to 71,289 in 2010,with 66 per cent of these resulting in injuries,from 77,230 in 2006,with 69 per cent injuries. In 2010,17 per cent accidents were fatal compared with 14.5 per cent in 2006. Transport Secretary S K Sharma said Maharashtra is in a better position compared to the rest of the country. He added in the country nearly 1.34 lakh die in road accidents every year. Sharma also said the government plans to conduct a major recruitment drive to fill up vacancies of 101 clerks,106 assistant inspectors and 28 inspectors all over the state to ensure better enforcement of the prevailing laws. As part of its annual road safety week,the state will conduct lectures and seminars in colleges and increase vigilance.
