Shimla, Jan 8,
Himachal Pradesh, a hilly state notorious for its high incidence of road accidents, has bucked the national trend by recording a substantial decline in road accidents and fatalities in 2024. This positive outcome stands in stark contrast to the alarming increase in road accidents across India in 2023, where nearly 1.73 lakh deaths and around 4.63 lakh injuries were reported, translating to an average of 474 fatalities per day. In 2024, Himachal Pradesh witnessed a 6.48% reduction in road accidents compared to the previous year, with 2,107 accidents reported, down from 2,253 in 2023. The number of fatalities also decreased significantly, from 892 in 2023 to 806 in 2024. Similarly, the number of injuries declined from 3,449 in 2023 to 3,290 in 2024.
This positive shift is attributed to the concerted efforts of the state government, law enforcement agencies, and proactive citizens. Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu emphasized the collaborative nature of this success, stating that the reduction in accidents and fatalities underscores the commitment of all stakeholders to saving lives on the roads. Over the past two years, the state government has implemented a multi-pronged approach to road safety, encompassing public awareness campaigns to encourage responsible driving behavior, significant enhancements to road infrastructure, particularly in accident-prone areas, stricter enforcement of traffic laws, and upgrades to emergency response systems to ensure swift medical assistance for accident victims.
Despite this significant progress, Chief Minister Sukhu stressed that continuous efforts are crucial. He emphasized that even one life lost is one too many and urged citizens to prioritize road safety by adhering to traffic rules, avoiding speeding, and driving responsibly. He further highlighted the pivotal role of public participation in achieving safer roads. The Himachal Pradesh government remains committed to strengthening its road safety initiatives and safeguarding lives on the roads, recognizing the importance of sustained efforts in this critical area.
