Delhi: Heavy vehicles push up accident graph

NEW DELHI: Fatal accidents involving heavy transport vehicles (HTVs) saw a slight rise this year in comparison with last year. The data on public transport vehicle accidents shows there were 430 HTV crashes till November 15 this year against 365 in the same period in 2022. Fatalities also rose from 159 last year to 175 this year and the number of people injured from 288 to 383.

According to the analysis carried out by Delhi Traffic Police, the data from 2019 to 2023 exposes a distinct trend in accidents involving Cluster Scheme buses, Delhi Transport Corporation buses and HTVs.

The analysis of road accidents shows that in 2022, DTC buses were involved in 108 accidents that took a toll of 30 lives and left 97 persons injured. This year, the figures fell to 72 total crashes, 17 fatalities, and 73 persons injured. Cluster buses also saw a decline in accidents from 99 in 2022 to 83 in 2023, with a reduction in fatalities from 25 to 24 and a decrease in persons injured from 85 to 84.

The data for HTVs, however, indicates an overall increase in accidents, with 430 crashes in 2023 against 365 in 2022. The toll also went up from 159 to 175, while the number of the injured rose from 288 to 383.

The district-wise analysis of road accidents revealed that in 2022, up to November 15, fatal incidents involving HTVs were concentrated in Outer North and South-East districts, with a total toll of 152 lives. However, in 2023 in the same period, there was a slight increase in the total fatalities to 164, with North-West and Outer districts reporting the highest number of them.

In the same period, the number of accidents involving DTC buses stood at 17 with most of the mishaps occurring in South-West and East districts. For Cluster buses, the total number of fatal crashes remained constant at 22 and most accidents occurred in Dwarka, North-East and Outer-North districts.

SS Yadav, special commissioner of police, Traffic, said, “The drivers of heavy transport vehicles must be made to undergo psychological tests. They must also be made to comply with traffic rules and drive within the speed limit. Delhi Traffic Police is proactively fostering a culture of responsible driving and heightened awareness among key players in the transportation sector. By equipping these drivers with the necessary knowledge and skills, the potential for accidents and road mishaps may be significantly reduced.”

This year, the number of drivers sensitised to road rules and behaviour in repeated sessions was 24,495 for DTC, 31,514 for the Cluster Scheme and 309 for other heavy transport vehicles. The concerted effort to educate and engage drivers across different transport sectors is aimed at ensuring a collective commitment to creating a safer road environment for all users.


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