MM: Crash Course: Police conducted a study on highway accidents: April 14, 2008

If it’s the hectic hustle and bustle of the city you are escaping from by road during the months of April and May, watch out — you might just have to be that extra bit careful.

Among other things, you will need to keep your speed in check, what time of day it is also counts, and, of course, where you are heading for does matter. For instance, if you’re speeding towards Ahmedabad or Pune, never mind the fine weather — you could be at a greater risk while travelling. These are some of the startling revelations documented in a report prepared by the Highway Safety Patrol (HSP) of the Maharashtra Police, who conducted a study on accident patterns on highways recently.

The HSP first collected data pertaining to accidents on highways between January 2007 and December 2007. This information was then classified into 19 parameters to help understand the various reasons that lead to accidents, as also to find ways and means to reduce fatalities on highways.

The findings of the report will now serve as a guide to the HSP in accident prevention and highway safety.

MYTHS

The study, while dispelling a few myths, also provides valuable data on primary reasons for accidents. For example, the study shows that drunken driving contributes as little as five per cent to accidents, as compared to speeding, which is the cause for over 60 per cent of accidents.
Surprisingly, the study also shows that during fogs when visibility is poor very few accidents take place, while the number of smash-ups during fine weather is greater.

Some other major causes of accidents include overcrowding of vehicles, lack of driving ability, and behavioural causes. Interestingly, while urban areas record 64 per cent of all accidents, they have only 36 per cent of all fatalities. On the other hand, rural areas record 36 per cent of accidents, but account for 64 per cent of fatalities.

REASONS

Says Superintendent of Police, HSP, Sarang Awhad, “Most accidents happen in April-May (causing 22 per cent of total fatalities) as people leave the city for vacations and there is extra traffic on highways. If there are bad roads or fog, people tend to drive carefully, but in fine weather people speed up, so more accidents occur.

“Similarly, between 6.00 pm and 8.00 pm the number of accidents are more as the driver neither has broad daylight nor is it pitch-dark. It is an uneasy period for the driver. Also, invariably there is more traffic on the roads during these hours. 

“Also, in urban areas all accidents, even minor ones, are recorded. But in rural areas, it is only the major accidents involving fatalities that are reported to the police.”

action plan

The police now plan to direct efforts in accordance with the findings of the study.

“We have already started a drive against drunken driving. We will soon begin a drive against speeding, and intend to be more vigilant during danger hours and particularly in accident prone areas.

“We also plan to have more police posts along the highways, and seek the help of NGOs in spreading awareness about highway safety,” said Awhad.

THE PROBLEMS

There are a number of problems that hinder the HSP from implementing their plans. Not only are they not completely equipped, but they haven’t been given powers to take punitive action.

“We do not yet have punitive powers. We have to nab the culprit and take him to the nearest police station. We are, however, in the process of acquiring these powers. We are also buying more gadgets and equipment to ensure safety on highways,” said Awhad.

Another problem highlighted by the report is the nonavailability of immediate medical help and other facilities during mishaps on the highways. “Most fatalities occur because the injured cannot be reached to a hospital in time. If there are adequate medical facilities along highways, many lives can be saved. Truck terminuses should be dedicated to this cause at specific intervals on highways. Among other things, these centres must have food, mechanical and also parking facilities so that the vehicles are not kept along the roadside,” said Awhad.

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