More than 78,000 people have lost their lives in highway accidents in last six years, while over one lakh people have been seriously injured.
Mumbai: In an effort to reduce the number of accidents on state highways, the Highway Police launched the ‘Highway Mrityunjay Doot’ scheme. However, despite this initiative, road accidents on highways have increased significantly over the past few years due to various reasons.
In the last six years alone, more than 78,000 people have lost their lives in highway accidents, while over one lakh people have been seriously injured. As the number of highways in the state has increased, so too has the number of accidents. Since the inauguration of the Mumbai–Nagpur Balasaheb Thackeray Samruddhi Highway, there has been a sharp rise in accidents on this route.
Speeding Behind 70% of Accidents
Officials say that overspeeding and lane-cutting are the main causes behind the alarming rise in accidents. Although speed limit signs are installed on highways, they are often ignored, and traffic rules are not followed. On certain stretches, especially on the Samruddhi Highway, long, uninterrupted drives in the same direction can cause drivers to fall asleep, increasing the risk of accidents. Drunk driving is another contributing factor. Statistics reveal that nearly 70% of highway accidents are caused by reckless driving.
The Need for ‘Golden Hour’ Assistance
To minimize fatalities, the ‘Highway Mrityunjay Doot’ scheme was introduced in March 2021. Under this plan, trained volunteers provide crucial assistance to accident victims during the ‘golden hour’ — the critical first hour after an accident — ensuring they receive immediate medical attention. The scheme has already saved numerous lives.
ITMS for Safer Highways
From January to April this year, 11 people lost their lives in accidents on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, while the Samruddhi Highway claimed 55 lives during the same period. To curb such incidents, the Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) is being implemented across major highways in the state.
