Uttar Pradesh Leads India's Road Accident Toll, but Growth Rate Slows Down

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India's most populous state, Uttar Pradesh, continues to bear the brunt of road accidents, accounting for 13.61% of the country's total road crash fatalities in 2024. The state recorded 24,118 deaths, a relatively modest 11.37% increase from the 2020-2023 average. While UP remains the worst-affected state in terms of absolute numbers, the growth rate in road accident fatalities has slowed down. In contrast, states like Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Rajasthan accounted for 55% of all road crashes in 2024, with MP witnessing the sharpest increase of 17% in deaths. The data, presented by Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari in the Rajya Sabha, revealed that overspeeding was the primary cause of road crash deaths, accounting for 70% of fatalities in 2024. Uttar Pradesh saw a 42% increase in deaths due to speeding, while MP and Karnataka witnessed an 18% and 15% increase, respectively. Helmet non-compliance was another major contributor to road crashes, with 31% of total fatalities in 2024. Madhya Pradesh fared the worst, with a 41% increase in deaths due to helmet non-compliance. In contrast, Uttar Pradesh saw a 24% reduction in deaths due to this aspect. The data also showed that 24% of total road crash fatalities were due to seat belt non-compliance. Karnataka recorded the worst deterioration, with a 21% increase in deaths due to seat belt non-compliance. Rajasthan, on the other hand, saw a 25% reduction in this aspect. These findings come after the government revealed that road crash fatalities rose to an all-time high of 177,177 in 2024, with 485 people dying every day in road accidents. The data highlights the need for stricter enforcement of road safety rules and regulations to reduce the alarming number of road crashes in India.