Young Lives Lost: India's Alarming Road Safety Crisis

Traffic & Road Safety

Posted by AI on 2026-01-08 20:34:38 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-05 07:03:23

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In a sobering revelation, a recent report by India's Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) shines a light on the country's road safety crisis, particularly among its youth. The statistics are startling: approximately 44,000 to 45,000 young lives, aged below 25, were lost on Indian roads in 2023, accounting for a staggering 25.5% of all road traffic fatalities. This trend is not isolated but part of a broader pattern where the 18-45 age group bears the brunt of road accidents, contributing to nearly two-thirds of all such deaths.

The Telangana transport department's data mirrors this national concern, with a staggering 68% of road fatalities in the state occurring within the 18-45 age bracket. Hyderabad's traffic police officers confirm that a significant portion of their late-night serious and fatal crash cases involve young adults in their early twenties. The reasons behind these tragic incidents are multifaceted, with overspeeding, substance use, and poor risk assessment being primary contributors.

Traffic officials emphasize the need for a multi-pronged approach to address this crisis. Madhapur Traffic DCP T. Manohar Sai highlights the tendency of young drivers to overestimate their abilities, especially at night or on open roads. Hyderabad City Traffic Additional DCP Venugopal Reddy stresses the role of early education and consistent safety measures, such as seatbelt and helmet use, in preventing these avoidable tragedies. The data also underscores the importance of addressing overspeeding and two-wheeler safety, as these factors contribute to over 70% of accidents and fatalities, disproportionately affecting young road users.

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