Overview
- Transport Research Wing data show 4.73 lakh crashes and 1.70 lakh deaths across 35 states/UTs in 2024, with West Bengal’s figures pending and totals likely to exceed 2023’s 4.80 lakh crashes and 1.73 lakh deaths.
- Uttar Pradesh recorded 24,118 deaths in 2024 and the highest accident severity, with about 52% of reported crashes proving fatal, while Kerala logged the lowest severity at roughly one death per 13 accidents.
- Nine states and UTs reduced both accidents and fatalities in 2024, including Gujarat, Haryana and Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh reports a further decline in 2025 with 1,457 crashes so far.
- Nearly 60% of fatalities occur on national and state highways, and the road transport ministry is preparing Motor Vehicle Act amendments for stricter licensing and negative points tied to driver behaviour.
- Two-wheeler riders account for the largest share of deaths in several states and helmet violations remain rampant, as NCRB-based analysis finds average daily road deaths (420) outstrip suicides (400) and murders (84).