Assam ranks second in the Northeast in road accident fatalities.
- Source: Data provided by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
- Comparison: Arunachal Pradesh has the highest death rate per lakh population in road traffic incidents in the Northeast, followed by Assam.
Statistics:
- Death Rate in Assam: 8.52 per cent death rate per lakh population.
- Age Groups Affected:
- Most fatalities occur among people aged 25-35 years.
- Other vulnerable age groups include 35-45 years and 10-15 years.
Factors Behind
- Behavioral Factors
- Excessive Speed: High-speed driving, especially among young males (25-35), increases accident risk.
- High-Risk Groups: Shift workers and individuals with sleep disorders (like apnea or narcolepsy) are more prone to accidents due to fatigue or drowsiness.
- Environmental and Infrastructure Factors
- Traffic Signals: Unmanned or faulty signals increase accident risks at crossings.
- Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, low visibility, and design flaws contribute to road accidents.
- Health and Impairment Factors
- Sudden Health Issues: Incidents like heart attacks, strokes, and seizures while driving are significant risks.
- Substance Use: Alcohol and drug impairment lead to poor judgment and reaction times.
- Vehicle Maintenance and Technical Issues
- Maintenance: Poor upkeep of brakes, tires, and handling systems can cause accidents.
- Safety Features: Lack of safety features or poor vehicle design heightens accident severity.
- Distractions and Risky Behaviors
- Mobile Phones: Distracted driving due to phone use is a major cause.
- Low Visibility: Driving in darkness or poor lighting increases accident chances.
Assam Government Road Safety Initiatives:
- Road Safety Action Plan: Identifies and addresses accident-prone spots with infrastructure improvements.
- Assam Road Safety Council: Coordinates safety efforts across departments.
- Strict Helmet and Seat Belt Enforcement: Regular checks by traffic police to ensure compliance.
- Improving Road Infrastructure: Repairs potholes, adds signage, speed breakers, and better lighting.
- Emergency Response Enhancements: Trauma care facilities and a helpline for accident victims.
- Speed Monitoring: Speed cameras and regular highway checks.
- Commercial Driver Training: Safe driving and vehicle maintenance programs for commercial drivers.
