It is the young population of City Beautiful, ranging between 15-39 years, who are losing their life to fatal road accidents. The recent data compiled by the road accident analysis cell of Chandigarh traffic police brought out this startling fact. The official figures of the last five years, compiled by the road accidents analysis cell, stated that around 464 people died in the fatal road accidents in the year 2009-13. The number includes both motor-vehicle owners and pedestrians.
According to the data, it is the most productive demography which is being lost to road accidents. The compiled data stated that around 262 people killed in road accidents were in the age group of 15 to 39 years as compared to 27 people above 60 years of age.
Chandigarh, which is known as the first planned city of Independent India, presents a grim picture when it comes to deaths due to road accidents. People as young as 0-14 years have lost their lives in accidents, which clearly indicates that save driving norms and tough policing has failed to curb the death toll.
However, traffic cop claimed that death due to fatal road accidents had been on a decline with every passing year, but still it was higher than the national average which is a matter of concern.
Maneesh Chowdhary, SSP Chandigarh traffic police, said that the traffic cops were putting their best efforts to curb the number of fatal road accidents by promoting road safety measures among the masses, especially youngsters. It had brought down the number of cases of fatal road accidents but every year new motorist are being introduced on the roads of the city beautiful and a higher death toll among the youngsters presents an alarming situation.
“Further efforts are underway to improve the traffic scenario and errant drivers are being punished on spot. Drivers are being taught lessons of responsible driving to minimise accidents,” added the Chowdhary.
On the other hand, a city based urban planning experts said that Chandigarh was built to handle a limited number of motorised vehicles, but every other day new vehicles are being added to the city roads. According to sales reports the city is among places which receives highest number of vehicles in the country every year and it is high time that authorities should find out new alternative to curb traffic accidents.