Road mishap deaths in Delhi dip by 2.5% till Sept

Delhi has recorded a steady decline in road crash fatalities, with deaths reducing by 2.5 per cent and fatal crashes dipping by 2.9 per cent till September this year compared to the same period in 2024, according to data released by the Delhi Traffic Police.

The number of road crash deaths dropped from 1,178 in 2024 to 1,149 this year, while fatal crashes declined from 1,148 to 1,115 during the same period.

Officials attributed this improvement to the consistent and systematic efforts of the Delhi Traffic Police, who have been implementing globally tested and evidence-based road safety interventions.

“This change has empowered the government to be more proactive in saving lives on the road through evidence-based and targeted interventions and programs. The continued reduction in road crash deaths is a direct result of targeting risk factors and recommending life-saving measures at high-risk locations,” said Ajay Chaudhry, Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic Management Division Zone II), Delhi.

The department also renamed its annual Accident Report in Delhi to the Delhi Road Crash Report to align with the global practice of treating road crashes as preventable rather than inevitable.

This year, the traffic police have identified 143 locations across the national capital and recommended a range of safety measures, including road design improvements, installation of signages, and road repairs to ensure smoother and safer movement for commuters, Chaudhary added.

The department has also been actively participating in District Road Safety Committee (DRSC) meetings to coordinate with other agencies and implement recommendations in line with the Supreme Court Committee on Road Safety’s guidelines, the officer mentioned.

In addition, speed calming measures such as speed breakers and improved pedestrian crossings have been suggested at more than 30 locations near schools, colleges, and hospitals.

Over 3,600 traffic police personnel have undergone specialised training in speed management, enforcement practices, and crash data mapping.

Regular refresher sessions are being conducted in collaboration with road safety and data experts to ensure staff remain updated on modern road safety techniques and traffic management practices, the cop elaborated.

The department’s Crash Research Cell plays a key role by studying crash patterns and trends, identifying high-risk “blackspots,” and working with the engineering cell to suggest infrastructure improvements at these locations.