Nashik Road Accidents Claim 197 Lives in 2024, Mirroring Previous Year's Toll
Nashik city witnessed a grim statistic in 2024, with at least 197 individuals losing their lives in road accidents, a figure that remains unchanged from the previous year. According to police reports, the city recorded a total of 862 accidents during this period, resulting in 501 injuries. Senior officers have pointed to the reckless driving habits of certain motorists as a primary contributor to the persistent accident rate in the area.
Demographic Breakdown of Victims
An analysis of the data reveals a stark gender disparity among the victims. Of the 197 fatalities, 160 were men and 37 were women. Similarly, among those injured, 357 were men and 144 were women. This highlights the disproportionate impact on male individuals in road accidents across Nashik.
Two-Wheeler Riders and Pedestrians Most at Risk
Two-wheeler riders emerged as the most vulnerable group, with 102 riders succumbing to injuries in crashes, while an additional 259 sustained injuries. Pedestrians comprised the second-largest category of victims, accounting for 57 deaths and 96 injuries. Furthermore, 15 people traveling in cars, SUVs, and other four-wheelers died, with 53 others injured, underscoring the widespread risk on city roads.
Causes and Community Concerns
Officers from the traffic branch attributed the high accident rate to the increasing volume of vehicles on city roads and the haste of motorists. They emphasized that adhering to basic traffic rules—such as avoiding speeding, refraining from overtaking on the wrong side, and not halting on busy roads—could substantially reduce fatalities. Cidco resident and bank executive Sachin Jawale echoed these concerns, noting that many motorists disregard speed breakers and frequently drive on the wrong side. He added, "The number of policemen monitoring traffic is too low compared to the number of vehicles."
Historical Context and Public Opinion
Over the past few years, Nashik has consistently recorded between 170 and 190 road accident deaths annually, indicating a persistent issue. Several senior citizens have voiced that stricter speed control by motorists alone could prevent many of these fatalities, calling for enhanced enforcement and public awareness campaigns to improve road safety.
