Surge In Road Accidents and Fatalities Despite Drop In Accident Rates Per Vehicle, Reveals Maharashtra’s Economic Survey 

In 2023, Maharashtra and Mumbai saw an uptick in road accidents and fatalities despite a decrease in accidents per vehicle. The findings underscore the need for continued efforts to improve road safety measures and infrastructure.

Recent findings from the Maharashtra Economic Survey report highlight a mixed bag of statistics concerning road safety in Mumbai and across the state in 2023. Despite a promising reduction in the number of accidents per 1,000 vehicles—from 25.5 in 2015 to just eight in 2023—Maharashtra witnessed a 1% rise in road crashes and a 6% increase in fatalities compared to the previous year. Mumbai, in particular, faced a stark 34% surge in road accidents and a 4% rise in fatalities during the same period.

Throughout Maharashtra, there were 35,243 reported road crashes in 2023, resulting in 15,336 fatalities. This marks an increase from 33,383 accidents and 15,224 deaths in 2022. Mumbai alone recorded 2,533 road crashes and 384 fatalities last year, up from 1,895 accidents and 371 deaths in 2022. Alongside these figures, there was also a rise in reported injuries across both Mumbai and the state.

https://mahades.maharashtra.gov.in/files/publication/ESM_2023_24_Mar_Book.pdf

Experts attribute speeding as a significant factor contributing to road accidents, particularly noting incidents occurring during nighttime hours. They emphasize the critical need for rigorous enforcement measures to curb fatalities. Recommendations include the expansion of footpaths, enhancement of pedestrian crossings, installation of speed-monitoring cameras at junctions, reduction of speed limits in high-risk zones, and the creation of dedicated bike lanes to ensure safety for all road users.

Despite these challenges, authorities in Mumbai are actively addressing safety concerns by implementing measures to mitigate black spots—locations notorious for frequent accidents. The city has identified 26 such black spots, with the Sion-Panvel Highway at Mankhurd identified as one of the most critical, witnessing eight fatalities from 15 crashes between 2020 and 2022.

The findings underscore the ongoing efforts and challenges in improving road safety across Maharashtra. While there has been progress in reducing accidents per vehicle, the overall increase in road crashes and fatalities demands continued attention and comprehensive measures. The focus remains on enhancing infrastructure, enforcing stricter traffic regulations, and promoting safer driving habits to ensure a significant reduction in road accidents and fatalities in the future.

Joyville