Drop in accident deaths

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The number of vehicles in Kochi city has gone up by nearly 35 per cent in the last three years. However, statistics show that the number of accidents, accident deaths, drunk-driving cases and petty cases had dropped significantly in 2011 when compared to the 2008 figures, which indicates that Kochiites have now learned to drive better.

According to the state statistics, 20 per cent of the total vehicle population in Kerala is in Ernakulam district, with Kochi city housing 60 per cent of the district vehicle population.

Based on this account, Kochi city had a vehicle population of six lakh in 2008, which increased to more than eight lakh in 2011, accounting for a 35 per cent rise.

However, the total number of accidents reported in 2008, which was 2,374, had gone down to 1,885 in 2011, despite the fact that the vehicle population had gone up considerably. Also, the total number of fatal accidents in 2008 was 169, which had fallen to 157 in 2011.

The city traffic cops, who had been on a mission to turn Kochi hassle-free for the past three years, claim that some of the revolutionary changes in the city traffic system have helped them a great deal.

“We have been strictly monitoring the city traffic system and have been making special drives to turn Kochi traffic-smooth.

Checks on drunk-driving were made regular and we were also able to create awareness about the hazards of driving after downing a peg or two”, said Mohammed Rafique, the assistant commissioner of traffic.

According to the statistics, Kochiites had also committed less number of offences in 2011 when compared to 2008, thanks to the strict vigil launched by the city traffic.

The total petty offences registered in 2008 were 1,18,847 which went down to 99,656 in 2011.

“Going by the rate of increase in vehicle population, one may assume that the number of accidents and accident deaths should also go up. However, the numbers have gone down, which proves that the city is no more a headache to commuters”, the ACP added.