Shimla: In an achievement, Himachal Pradesh has defied the nationwide surge in road traffic fatalities, boasting a commendable 17% reduction in road incidents over the period from 2018 to 2022.
Under the aegis of a World Bank-sponsored road safety initiative, the Transport Research Laboratory's team leader, Mr. Tony Mathew, disclosed the encouraging findings after a comprehensive analysis of road crash data and reports from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
His revelation came during the ongoing implementation of the road safety project in Himachal Pradesh.
Mr. Mathew remarked, "Not surprising, a comparison of road traffic fatalities in different States in India has shown an increasing trend of road deaths in most of the States, with most of the large States showing double digit percentage growth in road deaths".
"Himachal Pradesh managed to buckle the general trend with a reasonably impressive reduction in road traffic deaths at around 17%."
Acknowledging the pivotal role played by Himachal Pradesh Police, the World Bank team applauded their commitment to prioritizing road safety.
The emphasis on meticulous crash data collection and proactive enforcement measures has been instrumental in achieving this feat.
The World Bank's report underscored the correlation between India's 25% GDP growth and the subsequent rise in vehicle numbers, road accidents, and fatalities.
However, amidst this trend, Himachal Pradesh's concerted efforts stand out, symbolizing a concerted push towards creating a safer road environment and curbing the frequency and severity of accidents.
Himachal has set a precedent for other regions grappling with similar challenges in road safety management.
According to top police Officials with sustained dedication and collaborative efforts, Himachal Pradesh aims to further enhance its road safety initiatives, ensuring the well-being of its citizens and travelers alike.
