Date: 04-11-2025

Deadly Road Accidents

Rajasthan: A State in Mourning

•           Over 64 people died in just four days across Rajasthan’s highways, with 9,711 fatalities recorded in 2025 so far.

•           Major crashes occurred in Jaipur, Phalodi, Alwar, and Jaisalmer, including:

•           A dumper truck collision in Jaipur’s Harmada area killed 14 and injured 13. The driver was allegedly intoxicated.

•           A bus inferno in Jaisalmer and a pilgrims’ crash in Phalodi added to the toll.

•           In response, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma launched a 15-day statewide road safety drive, targeting accident-prone zones and enforcing stricter traffic compliance.

•           The Rajasthan High Court took suo motu cognizance, demanding a government report and appointing an amicus curiae to recommend safety reforms.

Telangana: Tragedy on the Hyderabad–Bijapur Highway

•           19 people were killed when a gravel-laden truck collided head-on with a Telangana RTC bus near Chevella, Ranga Reddy district.

•           The truck lost control, crushing the bus and burying passengers under gravel. Over a dozen were injured.

 Root Causes of These Accidents

•           Reckless driving and speeding, often by heavy vehicles.

•           Overloaded trucks and poor vehicle maintenance.

•           Lack of traffic enforcement in rural and highway zones.

•           Inadequate road infrastructure, signage, and lighting.

•           Weak emergency response systems and delayed medical aid.

 

How to Control and Prevent Road Accidents

1. Policy and Enforcement

•           Implement automated speed cameras and alcohol checkpoints.

•           Enforce strict penalties for overloading and reckless driving.

•           Mandate annual vehicle fitness checks, especially for commercial fleets.

2. Infrastructure Improvements

•           Upgrade high-risk highway stretches with better lighting, signage, and dividers.

•           Build dedicated lanes for heavy vehicles and pedestrian crossings.

•           Install crash barriers and rumble strips in accident-prone zones.

3. Public Awareness and Education

•           Launch statewide campaigns on safe driving and helmet/seatbelt use.

•           Include road safety education in school curricula.

•           Promote driver training programs, especially for commercial drivers.

4. Emergency Response Enhancement

•           Establish rapid-response trauma centres along highways.

•           Equip ambulances with GPS tracking and first-aid kits.

•           Train police and volunteers in basic life support (BLS).

 

Conclusion: The recent tragedies in Rajasthan and Telangana are stark reminders of India’s urgent road safety crisis. Coordinated efforts across policy, infrastructure, enforcement, and education can save thousands of lives annually.

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