Rising Highway Accidents in Udupi Prompt Urgent Safety Measures

Accidents on the national highways in Udupi district have seen a troubling increase, with over 1,000 incidents reported in 2023 alone, leading to 222 fatalities. In response, the police department has identified 21 black spots where accidents frequently occur. The district administration has instructed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to take immediate corrective actions.

The surge in accidents is primarily attributed to the unscientific design of roads and junctions, along with motorists’ tendency to overspeed. Notably, four black spots are located within the Udupi traffic police station limits, and three within the Byndoor police station limits. The district administration has directed NHAI to install warning signs, create zebra crossings, and station traffic police at these critical locations to mitigate accident risks.

In 2023, Udupi witnessed 1,284 accidents on its national highways, resulting in 1,381 injuries ranging from minor to severe. Alarmingly, 90% of these accidents were due to overspeeding.

A study conducted three years ago by MAHE MIT students and experts, in collaboration with NHAI and the district police, revealed that unscientific road designs are a significant contributor to these accidents. The study emphasized that road dividers and U-turns are often placed under pressure from local businesses, compromising safety standards. Additionally, wrong-side driving was identified as another major accident cause.

Dr. K Vidyakumari, the deputy commissioner of Udupi, announced that the police and NHAI have been instructed to enhance highway safety. This includes implementing ambulance mapping with trauma care centers and holding monthly meetings for highway engineers to address safety concerns.

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