No of crashes decline but Mumbai still 3rd in state

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For the city's motorists, some good news and some bad: In 2023, Mumbai ranked third in the number of road crashes in major hubs across Maharashtra. The number of fatalities has come down significantly, ; from 2,214 in 2021, to 1,895 in 2022, and 1,473 in 2023. Similarly, the number of fatalities in 2021 was 387, 371 in 2022 and 283 in 2023. This means a 23.7 per cent deduction in deaths as compared to 2022.

Per the latest data, there were 1473 crashes with 283 fatalities last year. Pune Rural witnessed the highest rate of crashes - 1889 - and 1060 fatalities, followed by Ahmednagar, where 1889 crashes and 886 fatalities were recorded. "The density of vehicles in Mumbai is greater and there is traffic indiscipline, which has led to a number of accidents. But overall measures and the correction of black spots has led to the figure reducing over the years," an RTO official told mid-day.

Figures from the sister city of Navi Mumbai, though low overall, have shown a worryingly steady rise. While the number of crashes in 2021 was 695 with 295 fatalities, crashes rose to 727 in 2022 with 293 fatalities, shooting up to 755 with 241 fatalities last year. This means there were 28 more accidents in 2023 as compared to 2022, but 52 less fatalities - a decline of 17.7 per cent from the previous year.

"The parameter for road safety should not be the number of fatalities, but accidents, and near accidents. By now, most drivers are able to avoid grievous and severe accidents, and those that occur have fewer fatalities. Most happen due to wrong lane driving, and occupation of all lanes by heavy vehicles, forcing light vehicle drivers to overtake from the left side, and zig zag between heavy vehicles," said Jagdeep Desai, architect, founder-trustee and chairperson of the Forum for Improving Quality of Life in Mumbai.

Road accidents in three

Maharashtra cities (Year 2023)
Mumbai: Crashes 1,473, Fatalities 283
Pune Rural: Crashes 1,889, Fatalities 1,060
Ahmednagar: Crashes 1,839, Fatalities 886