Hyderabad: A majority of accidents that took place in the twin cities in 2013 involved two-wheelers, and about 35 per cent of them were fatal. Interestingly, the common factor among the 95 per cent fatal accidents, involving two-wheelers. was that most of the deaths were due to head injuries and none of the riders had been wearing helmets.
Even in case of car accidents, those who suffered grievous injuries were found to be not wearing their seat-belts. A total of 2,409 accidents took place in 2013, including 1,084 involving two-wheelers. Among them, 437 were fatal.
In rest of the accidents, the victims escaped with grievous or simple injuries.
“Wearing a helmet is mandatory as per the Motor Vehicle norms. Violators can also be fined. However, we are not taking up any special drive right now. There was a big hue and cry when heavy fines were imposed on traffic rule violators,” said Mr Jitender, additional commissioner of police (traffic). He added, “We, however, are taking up special awareness campaigns on wearing helmet and buckling seat belts while driving and riding a two-wheeler or a four-wheeler to avoid serious injuries during accidents.”
City traffic police has been distributing pamphlets and screenings short films in theatre. Meanwhile, the comparative reports of accidents in twin cities from 2010 to 2013 do not show any significant fall in number of incidents. There were 2,662 accidents recorded in 2010; in 2011 the number fell to 2,528. The year 2012 saw 2,473 accidents.
