Srinagar, August 12: The increasing number of road accidents in Jammu and Kashmir has become a major cause for concern, with alarming statistics recorded in the first half of 2024. From January 1st to June 30th, a staggering 2,864 road accidents were reported across various districts, resulting in the loss of 417 lives and injuries to 3,894 individuals.
Jammu leads the list with the highest number of fatalities, recording 537 accidents that resulted in 75 deaths and 750 injuries. Udhampur is equally dire, with 228 accidents leading to 47 deaths and 314 injuries. Ramban, a stretch with its treacherous roads witnessed 129 accidents claiming 33 lives and injuring 160 people.
In Reasi, 142 accidents were reported, resulting in 26 deaths and 199 injuries, while Baramulla saw 94 accidents, with 24 fatalities and 133 injuries. In the summer capital, Srinagar, 255 accidents were recorded, leading to 25 deaths and 270 injuries.
Kulgam witnessed 68 accidents, resulting in 21 deaths and 84 injuries, followed by Kathua with 212 accidents, 20 fatalities, and 308 injuries. The mountainous district of Kishtwar reported 52 accidents, leading to 17 deaths and 63 injuries. Samba recorded 131 accidents, with 16 deaths and 173 injuries, while Poonch saw 94 accidents, resulting in 15 fatalities and 161 injuries. In Rajouri, 170 accidents occurred, leading to 15 deaths and 269 injuries.
Doda reported 128 accidents, resulting in 13 fatalities and 170 injuries, and Anantnag witnessed 160 accidents, leading to 18 deaths and 197 injuries. Ganderbal saw 75 accidents, with 23 fatalities and 97 injuries. In Bandipora, 56 accidents were recorded, leading to 6 deaths and 66 injuries, while Sopore witnessed 44 accidents, resulting in 6 fatalities and 56 injuries. Budgam reported 65 accidents, resulting in two deaths and 96 injuries.
Additionally, the district of Pulwama saw 45 accidents, causing four deaths and 56 injuries, while Awantipora recorded 57 accidents, leading to 5 deaths and 76 injuries. Shopian reported 30 accidents, with two fatalities and 52 injuries. Handwara saw 42 accidents, resulting in three deaths and 71 injuries, while Kupwara reported 48 accidents with no fatalities but 73 injuries. Railways Katra recorded two accidents, with one fatality, while Railways Jammu and Railways Kashmir reported no accidents or deaths.
In 2023, the UT witnessed 6,298 road accidents, in which 893 people were killed and 8,469 were injured. Officials from the traffic department cited various causes for the accidents, including rash driving, negligence, poor road conditions, and several other factors.
The officials stated though they are intensifying initiatives against rash driving, it is not enough. They stressed that everyone must follow traffic rules diligently to avoid road accidents.
