Over 10,000 Fatal Road Accidents in Karnataka: ADGP Aims to Reduce by 30% in Second Half of 2023
The Assistant Director General of Police (ADGP) for Traffic and Road Safety in Karnataka, Alok Kumar, has expressed his focus on reducing the number of fatal road accidents in the state. Following a review meeting with police officers in Mysuru, Kumar revealed that in 2022, over 10,000 people lost their lives in road accidents in Karnataka. Disturbingly, in the first half of 2023 alone, the number of fatalities stood at 5,804.
To address this alarming situation, the ADGP’s department has set a target to reduce road accidents by 30% in the second half of 2023. Additionally, they have suggested that the state and national highway authorities rectify structural defects on roads to prevent both fatal and non-fatal accidents.
One of the areas of focus is Mysuru city and the five districts within the southern police range, namely Mysuru, Mandya, Chamarajanagar, Hassan, and Kodagu. As part of their efforts, a new Intelligent Traffic Management System is being implemented in Mysuru city and the adjacent areas falling under the jurisdiction of the Southern Range. Kumar, along with senior officers, visited specific spots where this project will be executed.
In terms of initiatives on the Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway, Kumar highlighted suggestions given to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for improvement. One of the proposed measures is to ban two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and other non-motorized vehicles from August onwards due to the increasing number of fatal accidents on the expressway. Kumar assured that necessary steps are being taken to reduce accidents on this 118-kilometer stretch.
The ADGP emphasized that most of the victims of fatal accidents on the highway were two-wheeler riders, which he attributed to overspeeding. Furthermore, the police have instructed officers in Mysuru, Mandya, and Ramanagara to raise awareness among road users by making announcements at entry points regarding lane discipline, adhering to speed limits, and avoiding drunk driving.
Kumar’s efforts to tackle the rising number of fatal accidents in Karnataka reflect the police force’s commitment to ensuring road safety. By implementing various measures, such as the Intelligent Traffic Management System and banning certain vehicles on the expressway, they aim to significantly reduce accidents and save lives. With a target of a 30% reduction in road accidents by the second half of 2023, the ADGP is determined to make Karnataka’s roads safer for everyone.
