Rash and negligent driving continue to cause more deaths on the arterial roads in the city. As many as 182 persons were killed in Kozhikode city last year.
The figure was 174 in 2012. At the same time, the number of accidents has notably come down to 1,147 (2013) from 1,286 (2012).
Records of the District Crime Records Bureau reveal that fatalities were reported in 158 accidents. Sixty five of the cases were still under investigation. Cases were registered under two categories — Sections 279 (rash driving or riding on a public way) and 304A (causing death by negligence) of the Indian Penal Code.
More than 900 accidents resulted in injuries to 1,244 persons last year. Similarly, 72 cases were registered for rash and negligent driving that would have caused accidents.
Statistics show that accidents were reported on the Kozhikode bypass and the National Highways in the suburbs. Some of the identified accident spots include Nadakkavu, Eranhipalam, Thondayad, Elathur, Feroke, Mankavu, Malaparamba, Ramanattukara, Puthiyangadi, Arayidathupalam, and Kunnamangalam.
Accidents are reported mostly during night hours. More accidents take place between 7 p.m. and 1 a.m. However, recent studies reveal that accidents have increasingly occurred between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. as well.
Two-wheelersTwo-wheelers are involved in more accidents. This is followed by cars, private buses, and autorickshaws. State-owned Kerala State Road Transport Corporation buses, lorries, tipper lorries, jeeps, and even ambulances contribute to accidents in the city.
G. Sparjankumar, Commissioner of Police, Kozhikode city, said the Traffic Police Department had initiated several preventive measures, including campaigns and strict enforcement of rules, to curb the rising number of the accidents.
As many as 17,6158 cases were registered in 2013. Of this, 1,60,170 were compounded and 15,575 charged. The total amount collected as fine was Rs.3,01,08, 350. The amount was Rs.2.62 crore in 2012 and Rs.1.42 crore in 2011.
Stringent checks helped bring down drunk driving. As many as 4,508 persons were charged for driving under the influence of alcohol. The figure was 5,583 in 2012 and 7,160 in 2011. Cases of violation of the head-gear rule and driving without seat belts also dropped significantly in the last three years.
More than 11,300 persons were charged for riding without helmet in 2011; 9,400 in 2012, and 6,000 in 2013.
The figures for driving without seat belts were 751 in 2011; 674 in 2012, and 210 in 2013.
