In a startling revelation, data compiled by the Jammu and Kashmir Traffic Police Department exposes a grim reality – an average of 70 lives per month were lost in road accidents across the region in the past ten months of 2023.
As per data, it has been revealed that between January 1 and October 30 , a total of 714 people lost their lives, with 7077 sustaining injuries in 5309 reported road accidents.
Among these incidents, 612 were fatal accidents, leading to 4697 non-fatal accidents. The city of Jammu witnessed 149 fatalities and 955 accidents, resulting in 1136 injuries. Srinagar reported 418 accidents, with 51 fatalities and 417 injuries. Ganderbal, Budgam, Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama, Shopian, and Awantipora also registered significant accident figures.
In South Kashmir’s Anantnag district, there were 271 road accidents, resulting in 45 fatalities and 348 injuries. Kulgam reported 124 road accidents, Pulwama district recorded 123 road accidents, with 6 fatalities and 162 injuries. Shopian witnessed 50 accidents, 8 fatalities, and 57 injuries. Awantipora reported 92 road accidents, 20 fatalities, and 131 injuries.
In North Kashmir’s Baramulla district, 208 road accidents caused 21 fatalities and 273 injuries, while Bandipora witnessed 85 road accidents, resulting in 4 fatalities and 123 injuries. In Samba, 271 accidents claimed 37 lives and left 303 injured, and Kathua recorded 410 accidents with 71 fatalities and 622 injuries.
Udhampur reported 391 road accidents, 34 fatalities, and 628 injuries. Reasi witnessed 276 road accidents, 31 fatalities, and 438 injuries. Similarly, Doda reported 173 road accidents, 30 fatalities, and 296 injuries. Kishtwar had 99 road accidents, 34 fatalities, and 120 injuries. Ramban witnessed 239 road accidents, 29 fatalities, and 290 injuries. Poonch reported 156 road accidents, 20 fatalities, and 255 injuries; Rajouri had 289 road accidents, 35 fatalities, and 423 injuries.
The Traffic Police Department has identified 200 accident hotspots and initiated special drives to enhance safety measures. IGP Traffic Bhim Sen Tuti-IPS emphasized that the majority of accidents are attributed to human error. To address this, efforts are underway to analyze location data, engage with stakeholders, and implement necessary road improvements. Additionally, a crackdown on bad driving has been launched, targeting offenders with pending challans.
This surge in road accidents over the past years has raised concerns in the Kashmir Valley, prompting authorities to take proactive measures to mitigate the loss of approximately 700 lives each year.
