In the last 10 years, the number of road traffic accidents has doubled in India whereas they have decreased by one third in China. The main reason behind the road traffic accidents is sleep deprivation and alcohol intake while driving. The existing mental, social and financial pressure on the drivers give them a kick to over speed even in the congested roads which are leading to road traffic accidents. This was stated by Dr BKS Sanjay and Dr Gaurav Sanjay at an awareness programme organised by Sanjay Orthopaedic Spine and Maternity Centre and SHEWA Society.
Dr Sanjay said that according to his study, 90 per cent of accidents are due to driver carelessness and only 10 per cent are due to other causes. In a recent police report it was found that there are 1.5 lakh accidents occuring annually in Uttarakhand out of which 10 per cent are fatal accidents leading to death of the driver and passenger. Out of those who survive, 25 per cent become handicapped. The doctors also talked of the ill effects of mobile phone misuse. In a recent 2017 Government report it was stated that 40 per cent of those who drive while using a mobile phone are liable to die in case of a road accident. There should be a national mission to make the general public aware about the road safety rules and regulations, they stressed.