Only 7% of fatal road crashes in Bengaluru end in conviction
Bengaluru, the Silicon Valley of India, is a bustling metropolis with a population of over 12 million people. With the rapid growth and development of the city, the number of vehicles on the road has increased exponentially, leading to a significant rise in road accidents. Unfortunately, the city has been witnessing a staggering number of fatal road crashes, taking a toll on the lives of many and leaving families shattered.
According to a recent report, over the past four and a half years, Bengaluru witnessed a shocking 3,536 fatal road accidents. While the numbers are alarming, what’s even more disturbing is that only 7% of these cases have resulted in convictions. This means that the majority of cases have failed to reach closure through the legal system, leaving the victims’ families in a state of perpetual grief and uncertainty.
Experts and officials have attributed the low conviction rates to various factors, including the lack of eyewitness testimony and out-of-court settlements. In many cases, victims’ families are forced to settle for a compensation package, which often falls short of providing them with justice and closure.
“It’s a heartbreaking reality that most road accident cases in Bengaluru do not result in convictions,” said a senior police officer, who wished to remain anonymous. “The lack of eyewitness testimony and the difficulty in identifying the accused are major hurdles in solving these cases. Moreover, out-of-court settlements often lead to a lack of accountability, which is a major concern.”
The statistics are indeed staggering. According to the report, on average, there are 11 road accidents daily in Bengaluru, resulting in fatalities, injuries, and damage to property. While the city’s authorities have been implementing various measures to improve road safety, including increasing the number of traffic police personnel and implementing stricter traffic regulations, more needs to be done to address the root causes of these accidents.
One of the primary reasons for road accidents in Bengaluru is the increasing number of vehicles on the road. With the city’s rapid growth and development, the number of vehicles has increased exponentially, leading to congestion and chaos on the roads. Additionally, the lack of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure and inadequate lighting on roads have made it even more challenging for pedestrians and cyclists to navigate the city safely.
Another major factor contributing to road accidents is the reckless driving habits of some motorists. Speeding, reckless overtaking, and failure to follow traffic rules are common causes of accidents, resulting in loss of life and property. Furthermore, the high number of two-wheelers on the road, many of which are driven without helmets, has been a major concern.
To address the issue of low conviction rates in road accident cases, experts recommend implementing stricter laws and regulations. “The government needs to take a tough stance on road accidents and implement stricter laws and regulations to ensure that those responsible are held accountable,” said a traffic expert. “Additionally, increasing the number of traffic police personnel and implementing a robust public awareness campaign can go a long way in reducing the number of road accidents in the city.”
The Bengaluru City Police has been implementing various measures to improve road safety, including increasing the number of traffic police personnel, implementing stricter traffic regulations, and increasing the number of CCTV cameras on roads. Additionally, the police have been working closely with local residents and community groups to identify areas of concern and implement targeted measures to address them.
While progress has been made, there is still much work to be done to address the issue of low conviction rates in road accident cases. The government, police, and residents must work together to create a safer and more responsible road culture in Bengaluru.
