No. of accident deaths fell during road safety month in Jan: Transport dept
Bhubaneswar: Deaths by road accidents declined during Jan’s road safety month compared to the same period in the previous year. The transport department credited this reduction to heightened enforcement measures targeting those who flouted traffic regulations.
Statistical data shows that Odisha recorded 994 accidents and 417 deaths in Jan 2025, a significant reduction from Jan 2024 figures of 1,093 accidents and 561 deaths. The records from January 2023 indicated 1,199 accidents and 554 fatalities.
“Road accidents typically see a surge in Dec and Jan due to increased travel because of holidays, New Year celebrations and picnics, leading to instances of drunk driving and speeding. Poor visibility from dense fog also leads to accidents. The transport department responded by implementing enhanced monitoring and enforcement initiatives during these periods,” a senior transport official said.
Inter-departmental cooperation between transport, police, the National Highways Authority of India, health and works departments enabled coordinated efforts in highway patrolling, addressing accident-prone areas, repairing road damage and strategically positioning ambulances near accident locations, according to the transport department.
State-wide awareness programmes marked the road safety month’s activities. During the national road safety month in Jan, chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi initiated the ‘Come Home Safe’ campaign. Regional transport officers (RTOs) and police subsequently conducted extensive awareness and enforcement activities across the state.
“The accident statistics of Jan reflect the positive outcomes of these initiatives. The department continues its commitment to road safety by observing every Wednesday as ‘Zero Tolerance Day’ for enhanced enforcement measures,” the officer added.
Odisha’s road accident fatality rate remains concerning. Official data showed that 16,287 died between 2021 and 2023, with 5,081 deaths in 2021, 5,467 in 2022 and 5,739 in 2023. At least 5,564 deaths were reported during Jan-Nov 2024.
On Tuesday, state transport secretary Usha Padhee held a meeting with different stakeholders, including police and RTOs, drawing the roadmap for the reduction of accidents this year.
Padhee said the govt has initiated measures to reduce accident fatalities by promoting the advanced driver assistance system and cancelling driving licences of repeat traffic rule violators. Padhee called upon stakeholders to support the state’s goal of reducing accident deaths by 50% by 2030.
Statistical data shows that Odisha recorded 994 accidents and 417 deaths in Jan 2025, a significant reduction from Jan 2024 figures of 1,093 accidents and 561 deaths. The records from January 2023 indicated 1,199 accidents and 554 fatalities.
“Road accidents typically see a surge in Dec and Jan due to increased travel because of holidays, New Year celebrations and picnics, leading to instances of drunk driving and speeding. Poor visibility from dense fog also leads to accidents. The transport department responded by implementing enhanced monitoring and enforcement initiatives during these periods,” a senior transport official said.
Inter-departmental cooperation between transport, police, the National Highways Authority of India, health and works departments enabled coordinated efforts in highway patrolling, addressing accident-prone areas, repairing road damage and strategically positioning ambulances near accident locations, according to the transport department.
State-wide awareness programmes marked the road safety month’s activities. During the national road safety month in Jan, chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi initiated the ‘Come Home Safe’ campaign. Regional transport officers (RTOs) and police subsequently conducted extensive awareness and enforcement activities across the state.
“The accident statistics of Jan reflect the positive outcomes of these initiatives. The department continues its commitment to road safety by observing every Wednesday as ‘Zero Tolerance Day’ for enhanced enforcement measures,” the officer added.
Odisha’s road accident fatality rate remains concerning. Official data showed that 16,287 died between 2021 and 2023, with 5,081 deaths in 2021, 5,467 in 2022 and 5,739 in 2023. At least 5,564 deaths were reported during Jan-Nov 2024.
On Tuesday, state transport secretary Usha Padhee held a meeting with different stakeholders, including police and RTOs, drawing the roadmap for the reduction of accidents this year.
Padhee said the govt has initiated measures to reduce accident fatalities by promoting the advanced driver assistance system and cancelling driving licences of repeat traffic rule violators. Padhee called upon stakeholders to support the state’s goal of reducing accident deaths by 50% by 2030.
