Andhra Pradesh: Accident rate falls as Krishna district rectifies black spots

VIJAYAWADA: Taking advantage of the lockdown, police have managed to reduce the number of accident black spots by over 50% across Krishna district.

Previously in 2019, there were 95 black spots, which has now reduced to 45 after rectification. In turn, officials point out that there has been a substantial reduction in mishaps and fatalities in the first half of 2021. Covid-19 aided in reduction of mishaps in Krishna district in 2020 with fatalities standing 26% less compared to 2019.

Between June 2019 to May 2020, the number of deaths due to road mishaps in Krishna stood at 275. However, the corresponding period from June 2020 to May 2021, fatalities stood at 361 due to the absence of lockdown. Interestingly, the same period shows a 17% decrease in injuries caused due to road mishaps. However, cops noted that comparing the fatalities of 2021 and its corresponding period in 2019 shows at least an 11% decrease in the present year.

Speaking to TOI, Krishna district SP M Ravindranath Babu said, “We have carried out a weekly initiative called ‘No accident day’ where personnel are posted at these black spots, ensuring that traffic is regulated. The second aspect is rectifying the road engineering defects in coordination with the local civic body or the Roads and Buildings department,” Babu said.