A recent report jointly released by Mumbai Traffic Police and Bloomberg has revealed shocking trends in road accident statistics over the past few years. According to the report, Sunday and Friday nights have proven to be the deadliest in terms of fatalities, while most injury cases were recorded on Monday, Sunday, and Tuesday.
The majority of accidents occurred during weekend afternoons and evenings, indicating a higher risk during these periods. The report highlights those maximum deaths happened between 1 am to 3 am on Sunday nights and between 9 pm to 11 pm on Friday nights.
Key Findings:
- In 2024, 343 deaths were recorded, while 384 deaths occurred in 2023.
- Sunday accounted for the highest fatalities (73 deaths), followed by Friday (58 deaths).
- Saturday and Sunday nights saw higher accident numbers, particularly between 1 am to 3 am and 3 am to 5 am, but with comparatively fewer fatalities.
- A total of 2,611 people were injured in road accidents in 2024, with Sunday (434 cases) being the worst day for injuries.
- Injuries were also high on Tuesday (372 cases).
- Accidents were more frequent during 3 pm to 9 pm than in the morning hours, with weekend evenings proving to be the riskiest.
The report identified 30 high-risk zones or ‘Black Spots’, where accidents and fatalities are the highest. Among these, the Kala Nagar Junction at Bandra (East) on Sion-Bandra Link Road was marked as the most dangerous circle with 45 fatal accidents and 13 deaths between 2021 and 2023.
High-Risk Corridors:
There are several high-risk corridors in Mumbai. Ghatkopar-Mankhurd Link Road (4 km) recorded 17 deaths and 68 serious accidents. On Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Road (1.22 km), there were 12 deaths and 43 serious injury cases. The city’s longest and busiest road, Western Express Highway (25.33 km), witnessed 14 deaths and 259 serious injuries.
Other high-risk roads include Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road, Eastern Express Highway, Swami Vivekanand Road, New Link Road, Sion-Panvel Highway, Andheri-Kurla Road, and Bandra-Kurla Complex Road, which are also part of the list of dangerous roads.
Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Anil Kumbhare stated that a ‘Hit Map’ has been prepared based on accident data at black spots, especially on weekends. The police have increased CCTV surveillance, patrolling, and deployed additional forces at critical locations.
Cases of Negligent Driving
According to the police report, the highest cases of negligent driving are:
- 2,458 cases of rash and negligent driving (Section 279)
- 1,747 cases of grievous hurt (Section 338)
- 1,197 cases of dangerous driving (Section 184)
- 1,123 cases of minor injuries (Section 337)
- 347 cases of death due to negligence (Section 304A)
Expert Opinion
Traffic expert Ashok Datar emphasized that following traffic rules and improving infrastructure are key solutions. He suggested signal improvements, CCTV surveillance, speed breakers, and awareness campaigns to reduce accidents.
According of A.V. Shinoi, another expert, overspeeding during late-night hours, sleep deprivation, and drunk driving are major causes of accidents. He advised drivers to avoid night driving, take proper rest, and use public transport if needed.
With the right measures and awareness, Mumbai could significantly reduce road accidents and fatalities.
