Esplanade, port areas most prone to fatal accidents, finds KP study
Times of India | 5 October 2024
Kolkata: Large parts of south Kolkata — that includes stretches like Rashbehari Avenue, Gariahat Road, SC Mullick Road and Anwar Shah Road — were some of the safest areas as far as fatal accidents were concerned in 2023. The Southeast Traffic Guard — located at Gariahat — along with Jadavpur Traffic Guard and Metiabruz Traffic guard reported just one fatal accident each.
In comparison, the South guard — comprising areas around Esplanade and Exide — reported 13 fatalities and 106 non-fatal victims.
The areas under Southwest guard — Port areas, along with a portion of DH Road between Taratala and Mominpore — yet again remained one of the worst performers with 13 fatal accidents and 111 non-fatal victims. The Thakurpurkur and Shyambazar traffic guards reported 12 fatalities each in 2023, with 89 and 95 non-fatal victims, respectively.
The data was revealed in the Annual Traffic Review report released by Kolkata Police commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma on Friday. The trend of drop in fatalities that started in 2018 continued in 2023 as well. In 2018, there were 294 fatalities. In 2022, this went down to 185. In 2023, it came down further to 159. However, total injuries saw a slight rise from 1,718 in 2022 to 1,754 in 2023.
According to this report, among the 159 who died in fatal accidents, 72 were pedestrians, 32 were two-wheeler riders and 17 were pillion riders. Ten of the deceased were passengers of buses, autos and taxis.
Private cars and two-wheelers contributed to the highest number of fatal cases, each contributing to 23% of the fatal cases. Trucks contributed to 17% and buses 16% of all fatal accidents, the third highest among the different forms of offending vehicles. Trams reported zero fatalities.
The highest number of fatalities reported was between 11 and 12, both in the morning and at night. While 13 people lost their lives between 11 am and noon, another 12 lost their lives between 11 pm and midnight. Diamond Harbour Road, Basanti Highway, Strand Road and CGR Road rank in the top six of the most fatal accident-prone zones.
“We are aware of the data. There are several local issues involved and our response will be need-based. Some of our efforts are already bearing fruit. We plan more changes next year,” said a DCP.