Ranchi: The state reported a slight reduction in the number of accidents and deaths in 2024 compared to 2023, according to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report. While there were 4,114 deaths reported from 5,196 accidents in 2024, the corresponding figures for 2023 were 4,173 and 5,316, respectively. The number of injured stood at 3,266 in 2024 and 3,586 in 2023.
However, data revealed that Jharkhand was among the top five in the country reporting more accident fatalities than injuries, with the other four being Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Bihar and Andaman & Nicobar Islands (Union Territory).
Drunk Driving Deaths
Moreover, Jharkhand was among the top five states for accident deaths caused by driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The number of such deaths in the state was 167. The top four states were Uttar Pradesh (1,229), Madhya Pradesh (444), Odisha (357) and Maharashtra (174). However, it was an improvement from 2023, when Jharkhand was among the top three states for accidents caused by driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, recording 288 deaths. Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh were the top two in 2023, with 1,131 and 604 such deaths, respectively.
Over-speeding a Major Cause
Over-speeding was a major cause of accidents in Jharkhand in 2024 with 3,715 reported incidents, causing 2,910 deaths and injuring 2,149. The NCRB report further stated that the period between 9 am and 9 pm witnessed the most accidents in 2024, adding that 658 occurred between 9 am and 12 noon, 706 between 12 noon and 3 pm, 946 between 3 pm and 6 pm and 1,079 between 6 pm and 9 pm.
The highest number of 503 accident cases were registered in February, with January and December recording 488 and 498, respectively.
Government Response
In response to the report's findings, joint commissioner (road safety) Pradeep Kumar stated, "Public awareness programmes are being conducted to educate people on safety norms. A large number of accidents can be prevented if people avoid over-speeding, zigzag driving, triple riding, use of mobile phone during driving and driving after consuming alcohol or drugs. We have also provided around 350 breath analysers to the enforcement agencies to check driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs."
He added that several measures, including repositioning of ambulances near accident hot spots and promotion of the Good Samaritan policy, are being implemented to ensure that accident victims reach medical centres as soon as possible.
