Srinagar, July 16 -- According to official figures,4,899 people lost their lives and 40,065 were injuredin road accidents between 2019 and October 2024 in J&K. The year 2023 alone witnessed6,298 accidents and 893 fatalities, reflecting a steady and disturbing rise in the number of casualties.

Key Causes and Alarming Trends

The study citesover-speeding, reckless driving, poor enforcement of traffic rules, anddeteriorating road infrastructureas the chief contributors to the crisis. July has emerged as thedeadliest month, with the monsoon, melting snow, and landslides contributing to road erosion and loss of vehicle control-especially in hilly districts.

Another worrying aspect is therural-urban split: rural areas account for69%of all acc...