Road accidents rose, but fatalities came down

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Although the number of vehicle accidents in the state increased last year, the number of fatalities decreased significantly. In 2023, 4,080 lives were lost, which decreased to 3,765 in 2024. The number of accidents in 2023 was 48,091, which rose to 48,878 in 2024. Excluding the COVID-19 lockdown period with restricted traffic, this marks the lowest fatality rate in the past decade. On average, the state records 4,247 deaths annually from road accidents.

During the first half of 2024, the accident fatality rate remained high, averaging 336 deaths per month. From July to December, the average monthly deaths dropped to 291, with fatalities staying below 300 in all months except September. April recorded the highest number of fatalities with 393, followed by January (354) and September (345).

The statistics are sourced from the Integrated Road Accident Database and the State Crime Records Bureau. Finalized data will be released only by the end of January, as delays in reporting deaths from hospitals and police stations can impact the final figures.

Impact of safety measures
1. The decline in fatalities indicates the effectiveness of road safety measures, including the use of AI cameras and other initiatives.
2. The increased use of helmets among two-wheeler riders and seat belts by car passengers has also contributed to reducing deaths.

December fatalities
Before the COVID period, December and January used to witness the highest number of fatalities. However, December 2024 showed a notable reduction in deaths (309), compared to previous years:

2023: 392
2022: 405
2021: 369