Road accidents are possibly the biggest invisible killers, claiming more lives than terrorism, cancer or any other factor. In 2015, there were about five lakh road accidents in India, which killed about 1.5 lakh people and injured about five lakh people, writes Prachee Mishra in a note published by PRS Legislative Research.

India, as a signatory to the Brasilia declaration, aims to reduce road accidents and traffic fatalities by 50% by 2022. As one of the measures to achieve it, the government has brought in the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2016 which has been listed for consideration and passage in the current budget session of parliament. It seeks to address issues related to road accidents, third party insurance and road safety measures.

 Here are some of the highlights of the ‘Overview of Road Accidents in India’

 

• Since 2000, while road length has increased by 39%, number of motor vehicles has increased by 158%

• National Highways comprise 2% of the total road network, but witness 28% of the road accidents

• Accidents per capita are increasing; Goa and Kerala have most share of accidents per lakh population

• Drivers are held responsible for 78% of accidents; 3% accidents are caused by neglect of civic bodies

• 67% road accidents take place between 9 am and 9 pm; 18-34 year olds most affected

• With unlimited liability, premium for third party insurance has been increasing rapidly

• Incurred claims ratio for motor insurance is high; claims ratio for private companies has been increasing

 Read the full report here