Road Accident Percentage Involving Buses: 35% in Kolkata
Key Highlights
-35% of road accidents in Kolkata involve buses, reflecting a significant road accident percentage Involving uses
-28% of bus accidents occur during unsafe boarding or alighting.
-Rash driving and lane indiscipline are key causes, with over 5,600 challans issued.
The road accident percentage involving buses in Kolkata has reached alarming levels, posing significant road safety challenges for the city.
During a recent traffic awareness and sensitization program, the Kolkata Traffic Police revealed that 35% of all road accidents in Kolkata involve buses, making them a significant contributor to the city’s road safety challenges.
The program, held at the Rangers Club, focused on understanding the road accident percentage involving buses and discussed strategies to reduce them, such as enforcing lane discipline, stricter traffic rule compliance, and enhanced driver training.
In addition, a recent Times of India report highlights how 28% of all bus accidents in Kolkata—affecting a total of 261 victims—occur when passengers attempt to board or alight from moving buses or those stopped in the middle of the road.
Also Read: List of Bus Accidents in India – A Complete Report
Key Insights into Road Accident Percentage Involving Buses
1. Alarming Statistics
- 35% of Road Accidents Involve Buses: This significant figure underscores the critical role buses play in Kolkata’s road safety concerns.
- 28% of Bus-Related Accidents Linked to Passengers: Unsafe practices, such as boarding or alighting from moving buses or those stopped in the middle of the road, remain a major contributor.
- Fatalities and Penalties: Buses account for 14% of all road accident fatalities in the past 1.5 years, with over 5,600 challans issued for rash driving.
2. Major Causes Behind Bus-Related Accidents
- Driver Negligence: Rash driving and blind spot errors are recurring issues.
- Passenger Behavior: Negligence during boarding and alighting leads to frequent mishaps.
- Lane Indiscipline: Buses often stop in unsafe locations, endangering both passengers and other road users.
Strategies to Reduce Road Accident Percentage Involving Buses
Driver Sensitisation
Regular training programs at the Kolkata Police Traffic Training School aim to educate bus drivers about safe driving practices. Key initiatives include:
- Real-Life Case Studies: Sessions feature real accident footage to highlight preventable errors.
- Interactive Training: Drivers participate in discussions to foster accountability.
- Technical Awareness: Training includes insights into handling brake failures and vehicle blind spots.
Stricter Enforcement of Traffic Rules
- CCTV Surveillance: Lane violations and rash driving are monitored closely using CCTV footage.
- License Reviews: Bus owners and operators are encouraged to regularly assess drivers’ traffic records.
- Immediate Penalties: Over 5,600 challans for reckless driving have been issued recently to curb negligence.
Stakeholder Collaboration
Collaboration between traffic police, bus associations, and transport operators is essential to improving safety standards. Key actions include:
- Awareness Campaigns: Joint efforts to educate drivers and passengers on safety protocols.
- Regular Meetings: Stakeholders convene to discuss strategies for reducing bus-related accidents.
Detailed Statistics on Road Accident Percentage Involving Buses
| Cause of Accidents | Percentage | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Buses involved in total road accidents | 35% | Includes driver negligence and unsafe passenger actions. |
| Passenger-related accidents | 28% | Happen during boarding or alighting. |
| Rash driving challans issued | 5,600+ | Penalties for reckless driving. |
| Bus-related fatalities | 14% | A major contributor to road deaths in the city. |
| Total run-over deaths in Kolkata | 160 | Caused by buses and other vehicles combined. |
Also Read: The 10 Worst Bus Accidents in India in 2024 – A Complete List
Police Recommendations to Address the Road Accident Percentage Involving Buses
To tackle the growing number of bus-related accidents, the Kolkata Police has recommended:
- Awareness Training for Drivers: Regular sensitization sessions on safety protocols.
- Case Studies on Accidents: Highlighting preventable mistakes through real-life examples.
- License Monitoring: Ensuring drivers adhere to strict road safety standards.
Collaborative Efforts to Improve Road Safety
Bus associations and traffic police are actively working together to address the road accident percentage involving buses. Stakeholders emphasize:
- The need for frequent driver awareness programs.
- Enhanced coordination between traffic authorities and bus operators.
- Stricter rule enforcement to ensure passenger and pedestrian safety.
