Mysuru Road Accidents Decline but Death Toll Rises in 2025
Mysuru city witnessed a 10% reduction in road accidents during 2025. However, the number of deaths climbed higher compared to the previous year. Official data shows 181 vehicle users and pedestrians lost their lives between January and December.
Two-Wheeler Riders Bear the Brunt of Fatalities
Police reports indicate that riders of motorcycles and scooters accounted for a significant portion of the victims. A detailed study revealed a troubling pattern. Many riders and their pillion passengers either avoided wearing helmets entirely or wore them incorrectly.
This negligence left them vulnerable to severe head injuries, even in collisions occurring at low speeds. The lack of proper head protection turned minor accidents into fatal tragedies.
Massive Number of Traffic Violations Recorded
Throughout the year, Mysuru city police registered cases against a staggering 33 lakh vehicle users. These violations included a range of dangerous behaviors.
- Speeding beyond permitted limits
- Riding without a helmet
- Carrying three people on a two-wheeler
- Driving on the wrong side of the road
In 2024, the city had reported approximately 1,130 road accidents, resulting in 172 deaths. The increase in fatalities in 2025, despite fewer accidents, points to the severity of injuries sustained.
Helmet Non-Use Cited as Primary Cause of Death
Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic) M Shivashankar identified the major cause of death among bike and scooter users. Riding without a helmet was the critical factor in most fatal cases.
Shivashankar recalled two specific incidents from December 2025 to illustrate the danger. In one case, a man in his forties died on Shankar Mutt Road following a minor collision.
The scooterist fell from his moving vehicle after it clipped the rear wheel guard of an auto-rickshaw. He suffered no external scratches but sustained fatal internal head injuries.
In another tragic event, two teenage boys died on Hunsur Road within the VV Puram traffic limits. The children of daily-wage earners, they were riding a bike when its footrest hit a road median.
Over 100 Two-Wheeler Users Lost Lives
Shivashankar stated that more than 100 of the road accident fatalities involved two-wheeler users. The majority of these deaths resulted directly from head injuries.
Despite ongoing awareness efforts, many riders continue to ignore safety warnings, the officer noted. This disregard for basic precautions often leads to loss of life.
Additionally, about 51 pedestrians died in road accidents within Mysuru during 2025.
Statewide Road Accident Figures for Karnataka
Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy recently provided broader data to the Legislative Council. Between January and October 2025, Karnataka reported approximately 9,302 road accident deaths.
Around 44,325 people were injured in the state during this ten-month period. A total of 35,447 accidents were recorded across Karnataka.
Government Launches Awareness Campaigns
The minister highlighted efforts by the Karnataka State Road Safety Authority. The authority has conducted extensive awareness campaigns to educate the public.
These initiatives focus on road safety principles and the negative consequences of speeding. The public receives education through various social media platforms.
- YouTube
To emphasize the importance of helmet use and the risks of speeding, a National Road Safety Month or Week is organized every January.
Local Authorities Reinforce Safety Messages
RTO (West) Mysuru, Vasanth C, confirmed that January is observed as Road Safety Awareness Month. Authorities make concerted efforts to educate all road users during this period.
Various awareness programs are conducted, with a strong focus on the necessity of wearing helmets correctly. The goal is to instill safe habits and reduce preventable deaths on Mysuru's roads.
