Samriddhi Highway Accident | Human Error Accounts for Majority of Samriddhi Highway Accidents, Urgent Measures Required

Pune: Samriddhi Highway Accident | The Samriddhi Highway has been plagued by a series of accidents since its inauguration on December 11, 2022, with human error being identified as the leading cause. The latest incident, which occurred late Friday night, resulted from the driver dozing off at the wheel and veering into the crash barrier on the right side of the road while attempting to change lanes. This unfortunate accident is just one among many, as a total of 358 accidents have been recorded on the Samriddhi Highway between December 22 and June 30. Tragically, these accidents claimed the lives of 102 individuals.

Of the reported accidents, 169 were classified as fatal, according to the data provided by the Road Transport Office (RTO) administration. Disturbingly, more than 110 accidents were caused by drivers falling asleep while driving. Further investigation by the highway police and RTO administration revealed that 81 accidents were caused by tire bursts, 72 were a result of over speeding, 18 were due to collisions with animals, 16 resulted from technical failures, 14 occurred due to breakdowns, and 74 were attributed to miscellaneous factors.

In an effort to address the issue, the RTO and highway police have conducted counseling sessions for 21,053 motorists on the Samriddhi Highway over the past seven months. Additionally, various initiatives have been undertaken to address specific concerns, such as tackling speeding (244 cases), lane cutting (2,206 cases), illegal parking (3,167 cases), lack of reflectors (1,043 cases), and unauthorized entry into restricted areas (973 cases).

To mitigate the occurrence of accidents, drivers are advised to exercise caution and adhere to the following guidelines:

1. Heavy vehicle drivers should refrain from cutting across lanes, instead using designated side lanes.
2. Vehicles and tires must be in good condition to ensure safe travel. Speed should not be increased if the vehicle’s condition is compromised.
3. It is essential to maintain awareness of the road conditions while driving at high speeds, even if the road appears clear.
4. Taking regular breaks every two hours is recommended to combat driver fatigue.
5. Proper tire maintenance, including balancing the air pressure, is crucial to prevent accidents.

The causes of accidents on the Samriddhi Highway can be attributed to several factors, including speeding, tire bursts, lane cutting, driver fatigue, and temporary distractions experienced by drivers fixated on a single spot.

In response to the alarming accident rate, the highway police and RTO administration have taken proactive measures to address the issue, including implementing 24-hour police patrols, establishing a new system to enforce action against speeding vehicles, and conducting counseling sessions for drivers. Additionally, vehicles with poor tire conditions are being closely monitored, and those deemed unsafe are not permitted on the highway. These efforts aim to curb accidents and ensure safer travel experiences for all on the Samriddhi Highway.