Why in News?

• According to a report published by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, at least 8 out of every 10 occupants, nearly 83%, killed in accidents across India were not wearing seatbelts.

What’s in today’s article:

• About the Report (Purpose, Major Highlights of the Report)

Road Accidents in India 2021 Report:

• The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has published the annual report ‘Road accidents in India — 2021’.
• The purpose of this report is to present an in-depth analysis and overview of the road accidents in India.
• The report provides information on various facets of road accidents in the country during the calendar year 2021.
• This report is based on the data/information received from police departments of States/Union Territories collected on calendar year basis.

Major Highlights of the Report:

• As per the report, there were 4.12 lakh unfortunate incidences of road accidents during 2021 which claimed 1,53,972 lives.
  • Young adults in the age group of 18-45 years accounted for 67.6% of victims during 2021.
• During the previous year 2020, country saw an unprecedented decrease in accidents, fatalities and injuries.
  • This was due to the unusual outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic and resultant stringent nation-wide lockdown particularly during March-April, 2020.
• Major indicators related with accidents have performed better in 2021 when compared to 2019.
• Road accidents decreased by 8.1 percent and injuries decreased by 14.8 percent in 2021 compared to 2019.
  • Fatalities, however, on accounts of road accidents increased by 1.9 percent in 2021 corresponding to the same period in 2019.
• State-wise data –
  • Uttar Pradesh accounted for the largest share of fatalities at 13.8%, followed by Tamil Nadu (10%), Maharashtra (8.8%), Madhya Pradesh (7.8%), and Rajasthan (6.5%).
  • Of these, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh have seen a rise in their share of fatalities as compared to 2019.
• Death due to not wearing Helmets/Seatbelts –
  • At least 8 out of every 10 occupants, nearly 83%, killed in accidents across India were not wearing seatbelts.
  • Uttar Pradesh reported the maximum deaths of car occupants for not wearing seatbelts.
  • Also, 2 out of every 3 who died in road crashes on two-wheelers were not wearing helmets.