Introduction

The ‘Road Accidents in India – 2021’ report by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways highlights 4,12,432 road accidents, 1,53,972 fatalities, and 3,84,448 injuries in a single year. Notably, Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh among all Indian states have recorded the highest number of accidents.

However, on a national level, two wheelers are found to have reportedly caused 43% of the accidents whereas bicycles and other non-motorized modes of transport are found to have reportedly caused a little over 2% of the accidents each. 

In Odisha, road accidents remain a pressing issue, resulting in an average of 15 daily fatalities (Pattanayak, 2023). Data from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the Odisha Motor Vehicle Department reveal the grim statistics of accidents, deaths, and injuries. Reports indicate that overspeeding and mobile phone use were major contributors to fatalities in 2022 (The New Indian Express, 2023).

Incidents of different categories of vehicles getting involved in Road accidents as impacting vehicle

Motorized two-wheelers as impacting vehiclereportedly caused the highest number of road accidents in Odisha, with 5,085 incidents, 3.5 times more than its immediate following group of Cars, taxis, vans, and LMVs that were reportedly involved in 1,429 accidents. On the other hand, bicycles, public transports like auto-rickshaw and bus, and other non-motorized transport were involved in comparatively less number of accidents ranging between 93-502

Persons Killed in Road Accidents in terms of Road User categories in 2021

In 2021, Odisha witnessed 5081 road accident fatalities. About 50% (2,531) of those who died were two-wheeler users, signifying the high risks associated with this category in this state. This is followed by pedestrians who accounted for 602 fatalities.  Fatalities in car occupants, including taxis and LMVs, totaled 535. Trucks and lorries resulted in 431 fatalities. On the other hand, 194 users of public transport like Auto rickshaws and 127 users of buses died in road accidents. . 178 Bicycle users lost their lives in road accidents. However, going by number, the fatality associated with public transport and bicycle users are significantly less tan that of motorized vehicle users. Users of other non-motor vehicles, such as E-rickshaws, were linked to 40 fatalities.

Accidental death of pedestrians with different Impact Vehicles

In accidents involving pedestrians as victims in Odisha, two-wheeler users caused the highest number of casualties with 190. Trucks and lorries resulted in 129 casualties. Car occupants, including taxis and LMVs, were associated with 108 casualties. The “Others” category contributed to 107 casualties.

Auto rickshaws and bicycles caused 28 and 19 casualties, respectively. Buses were involved in 19 casualties. Other non-motorized vehicles, such as E-rickshaws, were linked to 2 casualties.

Observation

Odisha’s road accident condition is concerning, with high accident rates and fatalities among two-wheeler users, emphasizing their vulnerability. Pedestrians are at substantial risk, necessitating immediate safety measures. Additionally, the significant involvement of the “Others” category highlights the need for specific strategies to address their diverse risk factors.

Bicycles exhibit remarkably low fatality rates, emphasizing their potential as a safe mode of transport. This implies that promoting cycling as an alternative mode of transport could significantly contribute to reducing the state’s road accident fatalities.

Conclusion

In Odisha’s complex road safety landscape, a promising story emerges as bicycles and public transport demonstrate their safety prowess with significantly low fatality rates. This underlines the potential of these two modes as secure and sustainable modes of transport in the state. While challenges persist for motorized two-wheelers and pedestrians, the minimal impact of bicycle-related fatalities is an encouraging revelation. Promoting cycling and public transport could be a vital strategy to reduce road accident fatalities. Odisha must focus on comprehensive road safety measures, targeting high-risk categories, while celebrating the positive aspect of cycling and public transport infrastructure in fostering safer roads.

References

Pattanayak, P. (2023, October 31). 15 road accident deaths reported daily in Odisha. https://odishatv.in/. Retrieved November 6, 2023, from https://odishatv.in/news/odisha/15-road-accident-deaths-reported-daily-in-odisha-218985

ROAD ACCIDENTS IN INDIA 2021. (2022). www.morth.nic.in. Retrieved November 6, 2023, from https://morth.nic.in/sites/default/files/RA_2021_Compressed.pdf

The New Indian Express. (2023, November 2). Overspeeding caused 67 pc fatalities in odisha in 2022; mobile phone use claimed 120 lives. https://www.newindianexpress.com/. Retrieved November 6, 2023, from https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2023/nov/02/overspeeding-caused-67-pc-fatalities-in-odisha-in-2022-mobile-phone-use-claimed-120-lives-2629339.html