Official data released by the government on Tuesday has revealed a concerning 20% increase in road accidents in the national capital in the year 2022, with a total of 1,461 fatalities recorded throughout the year. According to the annual report on ‘Road Accidents in India-2022,’ as shared by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the city’s share in the total number of accidents reported throughout the country in 2022 was 1.2%.
A Disturbing Rise in Accidents
In 2022, Delhi witnessed a staggering 5,652 road accidents, marking a nearly 20% increase from the previous year when the data stood at 4,720. The World Health Organization characterizes road deaths as a preventable health epidemic. It’s essential to acknowledge that the term “accident” may not accurately reflect the nature of road crashes. The Oxford English Dictionary defines an accident as “an event that happens by chance or that is without apparent or deliberate cause.” However, road crashes are far from chance events; they are preventable and have identifiable causes. By referring to them as accidents, we risk undermining public support for policy solutions, including the implementation of measures such as drunk driving checkpoints, speed cameras, reduced speed limits, and helmet enforcement.
Union Territories’ Share in Road Accidents
Union Territories presently account for 3% of total road accidents. Among them, Jammu & Kashmir recorded the highest number of accidents in 2022, with 6,092 cases, followed by Delhi with 5,652 accidents and Puducherry with 1,181.
The Role of Speed in Road Safety
Studies have shown a direct relationship between increased average speed and the likelihood and severity of road accidents. For instance, every 1% increase in mean speed leads to a 4% increase in the risk of fatal crashes and a 3% increase in the risk of serious crashes. The risk of pedestrian fatalities when hit by car fronts rises significantly, increasing 4.5 times when the speed goes from 50 km/h to 65 km/h. In car-to-car side impacts, the fatality risk for occupants reaches 85% at 65 km/h.
