Tweet
Over 2,000 died on city roads
Despite identifying 16 corridors specially to reduce road fatalities and several special drives throughout the year, Delhi Traffic Police failed to restrict the number of fatal accidents as well as road deaths below 2,000 in the year 2011.
The Delhi Police data shows 2007 persons lost their lives in 2011 on Delhi roads. The number of road accidents has gone up to 7281 in 2011 from 7260 in 2010. However, in a self-conciliatory tone, Delhi Police Commissioner BK Gupta said, “The number of fatalities on Delhi’s roads has registered a decline for the second year in a row. A total of 2007 fatal accidents took place as compared to 2104 in 2010.”
Complimenting traffic police officials, he attributed the decrease in the number of fatalities to the systematic analysis of the accidents, special night checking, action against drunken driving and special emphasis on quality prosecution. Delhi Police boasted to have taken up several efforts to ensure safety of people on Delhi roads. The figures, however, shows that the initiatives like public interface unit, refresher courses in traffic unit, identification of 16 corridors, special drives like ‘Be Safe,’ and special checks during nights have failed to make much difference.
Besides, the Delhi Traffic Police claimed to have prosecuted 14,81,366 vehicles in 2011 and introduced 610 increased motor cycles for patrolling on important corridors. Against tall claims of Delhi Police stand the dismal figure of 2007 fatalities.
Speaking over traffic fines, Gupta said, “Delhi Police want steep hike in fines for traffic violations as the existing penalty amounts are very little and does not act as a deterrent. We expect the Motor Vehicle Act be amended soon, so that the fine can be increased. Gupta cited the “heavy fine amount” for traffic violations during the Commonwealth Games and said the number of violations then were less.
Despite identifying 16 corridors specially to reduce road fatalities and several special drives throughout the year, Delhi Traffic Police failed to restrict the number of fatal accidents as well as road deaths below 2,000 in the year 2011.
The Delhi Police data shows 2007 persons lost their lives in 2011 on Delhi roads. The number of road accidents has gone up to 7281 in 2011 from 7260 in 2010. However, in a self-conciliatory tone, Delhi Police Commissioner BK Gupta said, “The number of fatalities on Delhi’s roads has registered a decline for the second year in a row. A total of 2007 fatal accidents took place as compared to 2104 in 2010.”
Complimenting traffic police officials, he attributed the decrease in the number of fatalities to the systematic analysis of the accidents, special night checking, action against drunken driving and special emphasis on quality prosecution. Delhi Police boasted to have taken up several efforts to ensure safety of people on Delhi roads. The figures, however, shows that the initiatives like public interface unit, refresher courses in traffic unit, identification of 16 corridors, special drives like ‘Be Safe,’ and special checks during nights have failed to make much difference.
Besides, the Delhi Traffic Police claimed to have prosecuted 14,81,366 vehicles in 2011 and introduced 610 increased motor cycles for patrolling on important corridors. Against tall claims of Delhi Police stand the dismal figure of 2007 fatalities.
Speaking over traffic fines, Gupta said, “Delhi Police want steep hike in fines for traffic violations as the existing penalty amounts are very little and does not act as a deterrent. We expect the Motor Vehicle Act be amended soon, so that the fine can be increased. Gupta cited the “heavy fine amount” for traffic violations during the Commonwealth Games and said the number of violations then were less.
