Uttarakhand is witnessing a sharp increase in road accidents and fatalities, highlighting a growing concern for road safety in the state. According to the central government’s electronic Detailed Accident Report (e-DAR), Uttarakhand ranks sixth in India in terms of deaths per 100 road accidents, compared to Himachal Pradesh, a state with similar terrain, which ranks 20th.
In the mountainous regions of Uttarakhand, the situation is particularly alarming, with approximately 105 deaths occurring per 100 accidents. The state’s overall average stands at 69.53 deaths per 100 accidents, significantly higher than the national average of 36.
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Data shows a rising trend in accidents: in 2023, the state recorded 1,691 road accidents, which increased to 1,747 in 2024. In the first seven months of this year, 1,184 accidents have already been reported, resulting in 717 deaths.
Other states topping the list for fatalities per 100 accidents include Nagaland (1st), Bihar (2nd), Jharkhand (3rd), Punjab (4th), and Meghalaya (5th).
The biggest contributor to accidents is driver negligence, which includes overspeeding, jumping red lights, driver distraction, and fatigue. In Uttarakhand’s hilly regions, additional factors such as sharp turns, high speeds, and a lack of crash barriers are responsible for higher fatality rates.
Authorities are taking several measures to improve road safety, including the installation of crash barriers, mandatory rest breaks for drivers on long journeys, and road safety awareness campaigns. Preparations are also underway to cancel licenses for violations like speeding and jumping red lights.
Additional Commissioner of Transport SK Singh stated that continuous efforts are being made to reduce accidents and enhance safety on the state’s roads.