LUCKNOW, June 19 -- As part of efforts to delve deep into underlying factors leading to fatal accidents, an investigation cell established by the UP Traffic Directorate will probe accidents involving three or more fatalities under the supervision of DIG (traffic). In a first of its kind initiative, district level officers have been asked to ensure that deputy SP rank officers investigate such mishaps and the factors that cause accidents are included in the investigation report. The directorate will study drive behaviours, road conditions and vehicle health - three key factors behind the growing number of road accidents - and recommend suggestions to authorities of the transport department, PWD, NHAI, traffic and other departments to make certain changes in road construction and traffic regulations to curb such incidents. The traffic directorate's investigation cell has been established as per the suggestions of the UP Road Accident Investigation Plan-2023, which mandated the formation of investigation committees for accidents involving three or more fatalities. This cell will be headed by the DIG (traffic). The cell will continuously monitor and investigate accidents, ensuring a more effective response to road safety challenges. ADG (traffic)K Satya Narayan said DIG (traffic) Arvind Kumar will lead the cell, assisted by ASP Anoop Kumar and DySP Saroj Kumar. Another traffic directorate official explained that driver behaviour includes over-speeding, drunk driving and reckless behaviour while road conditions include poor road engineering, potholes, inadequate signage and absence of road dividers. Vehicle health/factors included mechanical failures or other vehicle-related issues, he added. He said the cell will provide valuable insights into accident patterns, helping policymakers develop targeted interventions. "Excessive speed is a major contributor to road accidents, reducing reaction time and increasing severity of crashes. Similarly, aggressive driving behaviours, such as tailgating and weaving in and out of lanes, can lead to devastating accidents as well as driving under the influence of alcohol impairs judgment, reaction time, and coordination, making it a significant risk factor for accidents." As per the UP road transport department, 46,052 accidents, resulting in 24,118 deaths and 34,665 injuries across UP were reported in 2024. The number of accidents, deaths and injuries in 2024 vis-a-vis 2023 grew by 1,518 (3.4%), 466 (2%) and 3,567 (11.5%), respectively. In 2023, 23,652 people lost their lives and 31,098 were injured in 44,534 road mishaps. In 2024, Lucknow ranked highest among all districts in the state in terms of road accidents and injuries....