Tragic Toll: 893 Lives Lost in J&K Road Accidents in 2023
In 2023, Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a sharp increase in road accidents, with 6,298 reported incidents. These accidents killed 893 people and left 8,489 others injured.
This was revealed today by Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO), Anantnag, Dr Mohammad Zubair Lattoo in a function in south Kashmir.
Lattoo said during 2023, 6,298 accidents took place in Jammu and Kashmir. “Out of these, 730 were fatal and 5,568 accidents were non-fatal. During the same period, 893 persons were killed and 8,469 were injured in road traffic crashes in J&K.”
In Kashmir division, Srinagar district recorded 476 accidents with 55 killings. In the Jammu division, Jammu district saw the highest number of accidents at 1,179, leading to 171 deaths. The police say primary contributors to these accidents include excessive speeding, overloading and rough driving.
“This is a disturbing statistic and calls for a serious intervention by policy-planners, media and civil society to create continued awareness on road safety norms and regulations,” he said.
While chairing a road safety function, he said the purpose of organising such programmes is to disseminate a message to those driving vehicles to save life of their own and others while being on roads and to make them law-abiding citizens of the society and to save precious lives, which are being lost due to traffic accidents.
Key Statistics:
- Total accidents: 6,298 (up from previous years)
- Fatal accidents: 730 (representing 11.6% of all accidents)
- Deaths: 893 (a significant increase compared to 2022)
- Injuries: 8,469 (demonstrating the widespread impact of road accidents)
Regional Breakdown:
- Kashmir division:
- Srinagar district: Highest number of fatalities (55) with 476 accidents.
- Other districts: Significant accident occurrence throughout the division.
- Jammu division:
- Jammu district: Highest number of accidents (1,179) and 171 fatalities.
- Other districts: Continued concern over road safety across the division.
Causes of Accidents:
- Speeding: Ignoring speed limits continues to be a major contributor to accidents.
- Overloading: Vehicles exceeding capacity compromise stability and safety.
- Rough driving: Reckless behavior behind the wheel puts lives at risk.
Call to Action:
- Policymakers: Implement stricter enforcement measures, improve road infrastructure, and invest in road safety education programs.
- Media: Raise awareness about responsible driving practices and highlight the consequences of negligence.
- Civil society: Organize community initiatives promoting road safety and educate citizens about regulations.
- Individual drivers: Take responsibility for their own safety and that of others by adhering to traffic rules and driving cautiously.
Conclusion: The rising number of road accidents in J&K demands immediate action from all stakeholders. By working together, we can create a safer environment for everyone on the roads and prevent further loss of life.
