Speed thrills of Taiwan - But Whose Lose ?"

Serious accidents occurring on road is a matter of great concern for all of us. Not a day passes when we do not read report of at least 2 or 3 serious road accidents. Almost everyone has been affected by such accidents at one time or the other., because a relative or friend is somehow connected to such accidents. The number of deaths per year per 10000 motor vehicle in India is 10 to 15 times more than that in advance countries. The number of motor vehicle is increasing day by day. Though it is a sign of improving economy of the country. It is a bitter truth that is also adds to accidents on roads. Our inability to provide enough funds to widen the roads or to construct new roads in proportion to rise in vehicle population also results in perpetuating this state of affairs.
In Maharashtra there were 100144 motor vehicle in 1961. Thirty six years later in 1997 the figure rose to 4515746 a 45 fold increase! During the same period the road length has risen by mere 5 times. In fact there are several roads where the vehicular traffic 4 to 5 times their capacity.
Statistics for the last few years show that there is a large increase in the number of accidents from year to year. In the state 77565 accidents were recorded 1996. These accidents are only those registered with the Police. Besides these there are several accidents which are not registered with the police. Because only one vehicle is involved or because the injuries or damages are not very serious. It can therefore be surmised that the actual number of accidents may be much more. In these accidents, large scale loss of life occurs every year. Several persons aere maimed for life. The productivity of several others reduces due to temporary incapacity. On an average 212 road accident occur in Maharashtra everyday and 24 person die therein while 145 are injured. Broadly 30 percent of persons dying in road accidents are below the age of 30 years. This means that the proportion of those dying in the prime of their life is quite large. It is clear that unless urgent remedial measures are taken, the occurrence of these accidents and resultant casualties will go on rising.