Road accidents are on the rise in the State with the State Government doing precious little to mitigate the menace. Two or three accidents are being reported from various parts of the State almost daily. Police headquarters’ reports revealed that 1,493 road accidents were reported in 2010 where 931 persons died and 1,656 persons were seriously injured. In 2011, 1,508 road accidents occurred where 937 died and 1,712 were injured. 1,472 road accidents were reported in 2012 where 853 died and 1,621 were injured.
In 2013, 1,297 road accidents happened where 765 died and 1,404 were injured. 1,410 road accidents were reported in 2014 where 878 died and 1,531 were injured. Moreover, police had imposed challans on a large number of road users for traffic violations. While 3,27,470 persons were panelised under MV Act in traffic violations in 2010 the figures were 321358 for 2011, 3,37,476 for 2012, 5,50,546 for 2013 and 6,23,676 for 2014.
Road accidents and subsequent deaths keep occurring in Dehradun and in the mountainous parts of the State at regular intervals. However, the State administration seems to be indifferent, residents of Dehradun said. Deplorable condition of roads, lack of traffic sense among the vehicle users, rash or drunk driving and nonchalant traffic police are some of the reasons causing the spurt in road mishaps, they said.
Statistics reveals that on an average, one or two road accidents are reported daily from different parts of Dehradun district. Critics opine that accidents are on the rise, notwithstanding the official claims of initiatives being taken to control things. “Drunk driving accounts for a big share of such mishaps in various parts of the State.” “Driving in an inebriated state has become an anathema for the people. Unless it is reined in effectively accidents would continue taking toll of lives,” they added.