Andhra Pradesh has maintained its grim position as the ninth-worst state for road accidents in India for 2024, even as the total number of crashes saw a slight decline. The latest data, presented in the Rajya Sabha by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, reveals a worrying trend: while accidents dipped, the human cost escalated.
A Deadly Paradox: Fewer Crashes, More Deaths
The state recorded 19,557 road accidents in 2024, a marginal decrease from the 19,949 reported in 2023. However, in a tragic twist, the number of lives lost moved in the opposite direction. Fatalities rose from 8,137 in 2023 to 8,346 in 2024. This continues a harrowing annual average for Andhra Pradesh, where over 8,000 people die and more than 20,000 are injured in road crashes every year, keeping it consistently among the top ten worst-performing states.
Speeding and Safety Negligence: The Primary Culprits
Officials from the police and road transport departments pinpoint speeding and reckless overtaking as the leading causes of carnage on state roads. A staggering 70% of all accidents are attributed to speeding alone. The disregard for basic safety gear continues to be a massive contributor to the death toll.
On average, approximately 2,200 two-wheeler riders and 800 pillion riders perish annually because they were not wearing helmets. Similarly, the failure to wear seatbelts claims around 350 drivers and 400 passengers each year. This persistent negligence occurs despite the compulsory helmet and seatbelt rule being enforced by the Road Transport Authority (RTA) and police since November 2015.
An officer noted that compliance improved only after authorities intensified surprise checks, strict law enforcement, and the issuance of e-challans. "It is important that you do not just put a helmet on your head, but wear it properly by fastening the strap under the chin," the officer emphasized. Yet, estimates suggest 30% of motorists in urban areas and 50% in rural regions still ignore these life-saving procedures.
The Urgent Call for Enhanced Trauma Care
The rising fatality count underscores a critical gap in post-accident response. Experts highlight that more lives are lost in road accidents in Andhra Pradesh than in any other type of mishap. They stress an urgent need to increase the number of trauma care centres in every district and ensure their proper maintenance.
This requires a collaborative effort with better understanding and sufficient fund allocation between the Union and state governments to enhance health infrastructure along highways. Establishing robust trauma care is seen as vital to reducing the final death toll from road crashes.
