The Union Territory of Puducherry witnessed a grim toll on its roads in 2024, with official data revealing a significant number of accidents and fatalities. Chief Minister N Rangasamy released the annual road safety report on Wednesday, painting a detailed picture of the challenges faced by the region.
Alarming Statistics: A Deep Dive into the Numbers
According to the report, Puducherry recorded a total of 1,391 road accidents over the year. These incidents led to 221 tragic deaths and left 1,548 individuals injured. Senior Superintendent of Police (Traffic) Nithya Radhakrishnan, in an official release, highlighted that a critical finding was the disproportionate danger on national highways. These major roads were the scene of nearly one-third of all accidents reported in the territory.
The data also uncovered a stark urban-rural divide in fatalities. Rural areas accounted for 123 deaths, significantly higher than the 98 deaths in urban centres. Authorities attribute this to a combination of factors prevalent in rural zones, including narrow roads, poor lighting, inadequate road markings, and higher instances of drunk or untrained driving compared to city areas.
Victim Profile and Vehicle Risks
The report provided a demographic breakdown of the victims, revealing patterns that differ from national trends. Senior citizens (aged 63 and above) formed the largest group of fatalities, followed closely by people aged between 45 and 60 years (56 deaths). The SSP noted a noticeable rise in deaths in the 35-45 year age bracket, while young adults (18-35 years) remained a vulnerable segment. Fortunately, fatalities among children below 18 were minimal.
A major contributing factor to accidents was the condition of vehicles. Vehicles older than 15 years were involved in a staggering 848 accidents, resulting in 75 deaths. Although this number saw a slight decline from 2023, their continued high involvement underscores the risks posed by potential mechanical failures and outdated safety features. The report strongly emphasises the need for stringent mandatory fitness checks and a phased removal of vehicles deemed unfit for the roads.
Police Enforcement and Road Safety Measures
In response to the ongoing crisis, Puducherry police significantly ramped up enforcement of traffic regulations throughout 2024. There was a substantial increase in the number of challans issued compared to the previous year. The police focused their action on key violations identified as major accident causes:
- Not wearing helmets (a factor in 79 deaths)
- Using mobile phones while driving or riding
- Wrong-side driving
- Overspeeding
This was complemented by increased field checks, patrols, and strategic checkpoints across the territory. SSP Nithya Radhakrishnan stated that these proactive efforts have yielded positive results, leading to improved compliance with rules and a stronger deterrent effect. "This reflects the strong commitment of the Puducherry police to enhance road safety through proactive enforcement," the SSP said.
The 2024 road safety report serves as a crucial document for Puducherry, highlighting specific areas of concern—from dangerous highways and ageing vehicles to vulnerable age groups—while also showcasing the intensified enforcement measures being undertaken to make the territory's roads safer for everyone.
