Majority of road accident victims are two-wheeler riders, says Chittoor District Collector

District Collector Sumit Kumar flagging off the Road Safety rally from Collectorate in Chittoor.

The Chittoor district administration has intensified the month-long awareness campaign under the Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan as part of the 36th National Highway Security Awareness Month to promote road safety and reduce accidents.

Speaking to the media here on Sunday, District Collector Sumit Kumar observed that road accidents have caused significant casualties in recent years. In 2022, there were 400 fatalities and 400 injuries, while 2023 saw 703 fatalities and 351 injuries. In 2024, the number dropped to 373 fatalities but increased to 792 injuries. “A high percentage of victims were two-wheeler riders, with 209 deaths recorded in 2024 alone, many due to not wearing helmets,” the Collector said.

He urged motorists to follow traffic rules, particularly stressing helmet use. He said that under Section 129 of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988, two-wheeler riders must wear helmets that meet safety standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). “In coordination with the police and the transport wings, a special drive will soon be launched to impose fines on the violators, apart from prosecuting them,” Mr. Sumit Kumar said.

Strict action will be taken against drunk driving, which carries a penalty and up to six months imprisonment under the Motor Vehicle Act. “We are also focussing on the menaces of overspeeding and violation of helmet and seatbelt norms,” he said.

The Collector emphasised the “Golden Hour,” the crucial first hour after an accident when immediate medical assistance can save lives. “The Good Samaritan Act protects those who help accident victims from legal trouble, and a ₹5,000 cash incentive is awarded to those who take victims to the hospital,” the Collector said.

Mr. Sumit Kumar said that to improve road conditions, the officials concerned are identifying and addressing black spots on highways by filling potholes and completing pending roadwork. “We urge the public to drive responsibly, follow safety regulations and contribute to reducing road accidents,” he said.