Over 14,900 Pedestrians Killed in Maharashtra Road Accidents in Six Years
Mumbai, 31st May 2023: Pedestrians in the Maharashtra state are facing a growing threat as the number of accidents and fatalities continues to rise due to unruly traffic, limited open footpaths, and negligence while crossing roads. Shockingly, in the past six years alone, a staggering 14,972 pedestrians lost their lives in road accidents across the state.
Despite efforts to enhance pedestrian safety, the situation remains alarming. According to sources from the Highway Police Force, between 2017 and 2022, a total of 14,972 pedestrians fell victim to fatal accidents in the state. The numbers reveal a worrying trend, with 1,822 pedestrian deaths recorded in 2017 and a distressing 2,894 fatalities in 2022.
Last year alone witnessed 6,764 pedestrian accidents in the state, out of which 2,833 were fatal. Tragically, 2,894 pedestrians lost their lives in these accidents. Additionally, 2,952 serious accidents resulted in 3,289 severe injuries, while 920 minor accidents caused 1,049 pedestrians to sustain minor injuries. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries in 59 accidents.
While some roads may appear wide, they remain perilous for pedestrians to cross. This forces pedestrians to navigate through speeding vehicles, putting their lives at risk. Traffic congestion in various areas leads to reckless driving behavior among motorists, further endangering pedestrians. Moreover, pedestrian negligence also contributes to accidents. Improperly parked vehicles and encroached footpaths leave little space for pedestrians to walk safely. Although skywalks and subways have been constructed in major cities to facilitate safe road crossing, their usage remains disappointingly low.
The rising pedestrian fatalities call for urgent action to address the underlying issues. The authorities must prioritize improving pedestrian infrastructure, including widening footpaths, creating safe crossing zones, and enforcing strict traffic regulations. Awareness campaigns highlighting pedestrian safety and responsible driving should be intensified to educate both motorists and pedestrians about their roles and responsibilities on the roads.
It is crucial for individuals to exercise caution while crossing roads, follow traffic rules, and utilize designated pedestrian facilities whenever available. By working collectively to promote pedestrian safety, we can strive to reduce the alarming number of pedestrian fatalities and make our roads safer for everyone.
