NHs account for 36% road accident deaths in U.P.

Uttar Pradesh continues to witness a staggering toll of road fatalities, with highways proving to be the deadliest zones, particularly for two-wheeler riders, who account for nearly one-third of the total deaths.

- Brajendra K Parashar

LUCKNOW:

According to the transport department's latest road accident data presented in a meeting of the Supreme Court Committee on Road Safety here on February 5, close to 24,000 people died in road accidents in 2023.

National highways alone accounted for 36% of these fatalities, while state highways contributed 28%, together accounting for 64% of the total deaths.

Speeding remains the leading cause of deaths, responsible for nearly half of all fatal crashes, followed by wrong-side driving and mobile phone use.

Drunken driving, another major contributor, saw an alarming rise, particularly in urban areas.

Two-wheeler riders emerged as the most vulnerable category, accounting for 31% of the fatalities.

The report indicated that despite helmet enforcement drives, non-compliance remains rampant, with over 4.78 lakh violations recorded in the year.