Accident’s on an upward swing

It cannot be disputed that the number of people dying in road accidents is growing every year. Though it remains a matter of serious concern, there is no denying that people driving two-wheelers and four-wheelers are becoming rasher by the day.

Driving without concern about the safety of fellow drivers or pedestrians, over speeding and driving without license or without enough practice / training are learnt to be the main reasons for accidents to happen.

The statistics of road accidents in Coimbatore according to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) for 2014 proves that roads remain a death knell.

As per the NCRB report, totally 269 persons died in road accidents in Coimbatore during 2014, which is higher than 248 in 2013.

Totally 1,594 road accidents occurred on the city roads in 2014 and of this, 1,435 persons sustained injuries and 269 persons died. Data shows that over speeding of vehicles led to 1,132 road accidents. It also caused injuries to 995 persons and killed 195 persons.

After over speeding, the other causes that led to accidents that resulted in severe injuries and deaths were reckless driving and driving under the influence of alcohol.

The National and State Highways roads look more accident prone than other roads. As many as 120 persons died and 531 persons injured in the 596 road accidents that occurred on the National Highways, while 56 persons died and 291 persons were injured in 340 accidents that occurred State Highways.

The analysis of data revealed that two wheeler riders were more exposed to danger on the roads. After two-wheelers, truck, bus and car passengers died in road accidents.

The report also reveals that mostly men died in road accidents. Of the total 269 road accident victims, 228 were men and 41 were women.

Most of the road accidents occurred at pedestrian crossings, due to heavy traffic and congestion of vehicles and people.