Karnataka sees sharp increase in road accidents

Karnataka sees sharp increase in road accidents

News –

• Among 53 cities across India, Bengaluru is ranked in the top five with a 30.3% increase in accidents; it was preceded by Ranchi (50.3%), Varanasi (46.3%), and Pune (35%)

Initiatives of Karnataka government to promote road safety

• Karnataka State Road Safety Authority Act, 2017: The government established the Karnataka State Road Safety Authority to systematically implement road safety programs and manage a dedicated Road Safety Fund.
• Partnership with SaveLIFE Foundation: The government has signed an MoU with the SaveLIFE Foundation to implement data-driven interventions, including the “Zero Fatality District” (ZFD) programme in high-fatality district This collaboration has already contributed to a significant reduction in fatalities on the Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway through specific engineering and enforcement measures.
• “Namma Raste Namma Surakshite” Safe-A-Thon: The Transport Department organizes community events, such as walkathons, marathons, and cyclothons, to promote life-saving habits and general road safety awareness.
• “Catch the Youth” Program: The Traffic Warden Organisation reaches out to colleges to educate young adults on road safety and discourage wilful violations like overspeeding and riding without helmets.
• COBRA Patrol Vehicles: Bengaluru traffic police deploys motorbikes for 24/7 patrolling and first response to accidents, breakdowns, and other traffic issues, coordinated via the control room.