Delhi recorded 4 daily deaths from road accidents in 2022
What's the story
The national capital, Delhi, witnessed a daily average of four fatalities due to preventable road accidents in 2022. The recently released "2022 Delhi Road Crash Fatalities Report" by the Delhi government revealed that these incidents resulted in 1,571 deaths from 1,517 fatal crashes. This alarming figure represents a significant rise of 28% compared to 2021.
Victim demographics
Vulnerable road users bear the brunt of fatalities
The report highlighted that vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, motorcyclists, cyclists and auto rickshaw occupants, accounted for 97% of the deaths. This figure surpasses the national average of 70.8%. Among these victims, pedestrians made up half while two or three-wheeler drivers and passengers constituted 45%. The majority of fatalities were men (89%), particularly those aged between 30 to 39 years.
Accident timing
Nighttime and weekends see highest road crash deaths
The report also analyzed the timing of these accidents, concluding that most fatalities occurred between 9:00pm and 2:00am on most days. This period, characterized by higher speeds due to reduced traffic, also witnessed a significant number of hit-and-run cases. The weekends (Saturdays, Sundays) and Mondays recorded the highest number of deaths.
Accident causes
Heavy vehicles and LMVs major contributors to crashes
Heavy vehicles and light motor vehicles (LMVs) were involved in 81% of all reported crashes in which the impacting vehicle was identified. The report also pointed out that the percentage of hit-and-run cases remained unchanged at 59% in both 2021 and 2022. "Out of the 59% documented hit-and-run cases, pedestrians were the most affected at a staggering 57% followed by motorcyclists at 33%," the report said.
Geographic distribution
North District tops in fatal crashes and hit-and-run incidents
Geographically, North District reported the highest number of fatal crashes and hit-and-run incidents at 260 and 150 respectively. It was closely followed by New Delhi and West districts, while the North East district reported the least number of such incidents. The report suggests that implementing measures like more footpaths, shorter pedestrian crossing distances on roads, raised crosswalks could help reduce deadly crashes.