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AHMEDABAD: Gandhinagar is the most dangerous of Gujarat’s districts as far as road accidents go. Statistics released by the Gujarat Road Safety Authority (GRSA) have highlighted that the district, which houses the state capital, saw a staggering 21% increase in deaths and an alarming surge of 25.20% in road accidents.
The data, compiled during GRSA meetings, also reveals a worrying statewide increase of 3.7% in road accidents. In 2022, the total number of road accidents reached 15,751, surpassing the previous year’s figure of 15,186.
Tragically, the deaths in the state climbed to 7,618 in 2022 compared to 7,452 in 2021, marking a 2.23% increase. Specifically, in 2022, the total number of road accidents reached 15,751, surpassing the previous year’s figure of 15,186. Tragically, the deaths in the state climbed to 7,618 in 2022 compared to 7,452 in 2021, marking a 2.23% increase.
Rajkot and Mehsana districts also registered significant jumps in accident rates.
Further analysis of the data reveals that the districts with municipal corporations, such as Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Rajkot, and Surat, accounted for a staggering 33% of the accidents and 31% of the fatalities in the state during 2022. These four districts collectively reported 5,421 accidents in 2022, representing an 8.5% increase compared to 4,999 accidents in 2021.
Likewise, fatalities in these districts rose to 2,410 in 2022, signifying a 4.6% increase from 2,286 in the previous year. Out of the 33 districts in the state, 16 witnessed a decline in accidents, while Porbandar reported no change. The remaining 16 districts experienced an increase in accident rates.
The data also revealed that the districts encompassing major municipal corporation areas, including Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Rajkot, and Surat, collectively accounted for 33% of the reported accidents and 31% of the fatalities in the state during 2022. These four districts collectively reported 5,421 accidents in 2022 compared to 4,999 accidents in 2021, showing an 8.5% increase. Likewise, fatalities in these districts rose to 2,410 in 2022 from 2,286 in the previous year – a 4.6% increase. Out of the 33 districts in the state, 16 witnessed a decline in accidents, while Porbandar reported no change. The remaining 16 districts experienced a worrisome increase in accident rates.
Senior officials have highlighted that most accidents involving two-wheelers and fatal collisions in cars predominantly occur on highways. The GRSA has identified 265 blackspots, with 118 on national highways, 123 on roads (including state highways) managed by the road and building department, and 24 on roads under the urban development authority.
Amit Khatri, a traffic expert, attributes the increase in accidents in Gandhinagar to clear and wider roads, which inadvertently become hotspots for accidents. Moreover, the state capital’s abundance of junctions and crossroads also results in vehicle collisions.
He further highlights that deaths due to accidents in smaller towns are primarily due to the lack of accessible medical facilities. “While cities can expect an ambulance within approximately 10 minutes, rural areas face significantly longer response times, often exceeding 20 minutes. Fatalities on highways are particularly high due to the large number of two-wheelers sharing the road with heavy vehicles, leading to devastating accidents,” he explains.
Khatri reveals that he has urged authorities to designate a dedicated lane for two-wheelers on the Sarkhej-Gandhinagar highway, as they frequently collide with cars that speed along this route. He hopes that the forthcoming metro system, accompanied by enhanced last-mile connectivity in Gandhinagar, will alleviate the burden on this stretch of road.
Dr Pravin Kanabar, president of the Ahmedabad Traffic Consultative Committee, sheds light on the stark disparities between rural and urban areas regarding road accidents. He emphasizes that rural regions lack sufficient traffic education, resulting in higher accident rates. Notably, helmet usage in rural areas is significantly lower.
“Only 40% of individuals wear helmets in cities – largely due to the fear of penalties,” says Dr Kanabar, recalling that when the high court took a firm stance on enforcement, approximately 9 out of 10 people complied with helmet regulations. He adds, “It is important to organize regular traffic education camps in rural schools, involving students and parents, to foster a culture of safety and responsible behaviour.”
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