70% of Bengaluru's road fatalities occur at night: DCP Devaraju

Bengaluru’s roads see a sharp rise in fatalities after dark, with nearly 70% of road deaths occurring at night, according to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic - South Division) Shivaprakash Devaraju. He reportedly highlighted alarming statistics: by November 2024, the city had recorded 780 fatal accidents, claiming 802 lives, and 3,571 non-fatal accidents injuring 3,685 people.

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The areas under International Airport and KR Puram traffic police stations reported the highest accidents, with 224 and 222 cases, respectively. The most vulnerable groups were pedestrians and two-wheeler riders, particularly during 6 pm to 6 am, when 75-80% of accidents occurred.

Experts attribute the spike to overspeeding, poor visibility, inadequate infrastructure, and risky driving behaviours like signal jumping and rash driving. DCP Devaraju noted that many nighttime accidents involve self-inflicted crashes due to overspeeding or alcohol-impaired driving.

According to mobility experts, Bengaluru’s road infrastructure exacerbates the issue and to address this problem, better road design, stricter enforcement of traffic rules, and awareness campaigns are crucial.

Daily, the city records an average of two fatalities and 11 injuries in road accidents. The statistics highlight an urgent need for intervention to improve road safety and curb the growing menace of nighttime accidents.