Peerzada Ummer
Srinagar, Jul 16: Recent comprehensive studies on road safety in Jammu and Kashmir have raised alarms over the deteriorating traffic scenario in the Union Territory. With over 22.66 lakh registered vehicles on its roads and a steadily increasing number of road accidents and fatalities each year, the region is witnessing a disturbing trend that calls for immediate policy intervention and public awareness.
Jammu and Kashmir records nearly double the national average of road accident fatalities. Over speeding, reckless driving, inadequate road maintenance, and poor enforcement of traffic rules are among the chief causes of the mounting toll.
According to official data, a total of 4,899 fatalities and 40,065 injuries due to road accidents have been reported between 2019 and October 30, 2024 in Jammu and Kashmir.
In 2023, the numbers further escalated to 6,298 accidents and 893 deaths, marking a consistent year-on-year rise. A large proportion of these incidents, nearly 40%, were concentrated in Jammu, Udhampur, Samba, and Kathua districts.
Researches conducted on the issue reveal a persistent pattern of fatalities, with July emerging as the deadliest month. The studies link this seasonal spike to melting snow, landslides, and rain-induced road erosion, especially in the hilly terrains of the region.
One of the most startling findings is the high incidence of accidents in rural areas, accounting for 69% of the total, as compared to 31% in urban areas. Moreover, commercial vehicles, especially heavy trucks, were found to be major contributors to fatal crashes. The absence of proper lane markings, pedestrian infrastructure, and safety medians further aggravates the situation.
Among the types of collisions, Hit & Run cases constituted 15% of all accidents, while overturning accounted for 8%, and head-on collisions made up 4%. Over-speeding and driver negligence were identified as the leading causes, followed by poor visibility and wrong-side driving.
The studies also found that roundabouts and T-junctions were hotspots for accidents, with roundabouts accounting for 42% of junction-related crashes. Additionally, most accidents involved vehicles aged between 5 to 10 years, suggesting potential issues with vehicle fitness and maintenance.
Several blackspots were identified, with Rajbagh emerging as the most dangerous, recording 75 accidents in just five years. National highways also witnessed a disproportionately high number of crashes, particularly in 2017, which was identified as the most accident-prone year on record.
The researchers recommend immediate remedial measures, including regular maintenance of roads, especially in hilly and landslide-prone zones, Improved road design, including better drainage, proper signage, and divided medians, Stricter enforcement of traffic regulations and speed limits, Public awareness campaigns targeting safe driving practices, and encouragement of public transport to reduce the overuse of personal vehicles.
“The infrastructure deficit and institutional neglect are costing lives and livelihoods. If timely interventions are not made, this could become a full-blown public health and economic crisis,” one of the reports warned.
