SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a concerning rise in road accidents in the first nine months of the year, with 4,457 accidents resulting in 621 deaths and 6,122 injuries across the Union Territory.
The statistics reveal significant accident rates across both Jammu and Kashmir, with May 2024 recording the highest number of accidents and fatalities, as 597 incidents led to 98 deaths.
This sharp increase has raised concerns among safety officials, with monthly figures peaking during this period. On average, over 16 accidents occurred daily across the region from January to September, reflecting a persistent rise in incidents despite various safety campaigns, local news agency KNO reported.
Social activists attribute this high accident rate to reckless driving, poor road conditions, and challenging terrain.
In Kashmir alone, 1,722 accidents led to 240 fatalities in the first nine months, with Srinagar reporting the highest number—362 accidents and 36 deaths—followed by Anantnag, with 254 accidents and 35 fatalities.
In Jammu, the district recorded the highest number of incidents, with 807 accidents and 96 fatalities, making it the most affected area in terms of both frequency and fatality rate.
Social activists emphasise the growing road safety concerns in these regions, particularly in high-density urban areas like Jammu and Srinagar. “Both urban centres and rural areas are impacted. Authorities should implement stricter traffic regulations, improve road conditions, and increase safety awareness campaigns to reduce these troubling numbers,” said one activist.
Shabir Ahmad, a Srinagar resident, echoed these concerns, noting the urgent need for stronger enforcement and increased awareness across Jammu and Kashmir. “Reckless driving significantly contributes to the rising toll on our roads. Introducing speed checks, particularly in high-risk areas like Srinagar and Jammu, could act as an immediate deterrent to speeding and rash driving,” he said.
