Tumakuru: The highways of Tumakuru district are becoming death traps, with a sharp rise in road accidents. In the first 22 days of January alone, 41 people lost their lives, highlighting a growing safety concern.
Alarming Statistics
- 1,580 deaths in the last two years due to road accidents.
- 783 fatalities in 2023, rising to 797 in 2024—most occurring on national highways.
- City limits see a decline in accidents due to traffic rule enforcement and CCTV surveillance (from 66 deaths in 2023 to 40 in 2024).
- High-risk highways:
- Bengaluru-Pune National Highway
- Bengaluru-Honnavar National Highway
- Tumakuru-Madhugiri State Highway
- State Highway 33 near Kunigal
Key Causes of Accidents
- Uncontrolled speeding despite better road conditions.
- Stationary vehicles on highways pose a major risk, with poor visibility leading to crashes.
- Lack of reflective stickers on vehicles, making them hard to spot at night.
- Insufficient road safety measures in accident-prone zones.
Recent Tragedy
A mother and two children tragically died on Kora Road after their bike crashed into a stationary tractor.
Authorities Take Action
- District-level Road Safety Committee is identifying black spots and installing warning signboards.
- Mandatory reflective stickers on vehicles proposed.
- Speed regulation measures under discussion.
Authorities are urging strict enforcement of road safety norms to curb accidents and protect commuters.
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