Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru/Udupi
Mangaluru/Udupi, Feb 4: The rising number of road accidents on national and state highways passing through Dakshina Kannada (DK) and Udupi districts has triggered fear and concern among the public. In recent months, several precious lives have been lost in accidents occurring on highways and other roads.
In the one-year period ending last December, a total of 4,026 accidents were reported across the two districts, claiming 1,010 lives. According to available data, 2,199 accidents in 2021 resulted in 560 deaths, 3,102 accidents in 2022 led to 553 deaths, 3,177 accidents in 2023 claimed 554 lives, while 3,092 accidents in 2024 resulted in 567 fatalities.
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National Highway 66, NH-169A, along with several state highways and other roads, are increasingly turning into death traps. In particular, national and state highways where road widening, underpass and flyover works are underway are frequently in the news due to accidents. Overspeeding by lorries and heavy vehicles, especially during night hours, is emerging as a major cause of accidents. Road gradients, sharp curves and sudden diversions due to ongoing highway works have become serious challenges for motorists. In many places, incomplete dividers and the lack of safe pedestrian crossing facilities have also become major concerns.
As per police records, public negligence is one of the primary reasons behind many accidents. Driving without helmets and seat belts, mobile phone usage while driving, improper overtaking and drunk driving are significantly contributing to the rising number of mishaps.
Although the police department has been undertaking awareness campaigns, inspections and imposing fines to prevent accidents, the number of mishaps has not reduced. The public has urged authorities to identify accident-prone black spots and implement appropriate corrective measures.
To curb highway accidents, there is a strong demand for scientific road design, installation of clear signboards, speed control cameras and the rapid construction of pedestrian bridges. In several places, vehicles moving from the wrong side to avoid one-way restrictions are causing accidents. There have also been incidents where vehicles that broke down in the middle of the road were not properly secured with warning measures, leading to rear-end collisions.
Abdul Javed, project director, National Highways said, “Emphasising the need to prioritise safety on highways, authorities have already installed warning signboards and taken precautionary measures at several locations. Work is underway in many stretches, and there are plans to install CCTV cameras at key points.”