165 persons died in fatal accidents in Mangaluru in 2024

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, February 14, 2025: Despite a marked increase in traffic safety awareness programmes, there is no decrease in the number of accidents in Mangaluru. A total of 165 persons died in 160 fatal accidents in 2024, said Police Commissioner Anupam Agrawal in Mangaluru on February 13.

Speaking at the launch of National Road Safety month at the Forum Fiza mall, Mr. Agrawal said a total of 1.8 lakh people have died due to accidents in India in 2024, which is more than the death resulting from pandemic, or any other reason. Majority of 110 families of the accident victims in Mangaluru have lost their prime earning member.

 

 

 

“There is not been any decrease in the number of accidents, despite police conducting awareness programme in 500 educational institutions that cover more than 80,000 students in 2024,” Mr. Agrawal said.  

Emphasising on the need for motorists and pedestrians to be cautious while on the road, Mr. Agrawal said any negligence, namely, not wearing proper helmet while riding two-wheelers and not wearing seat belt in a car will contribute to fatality.

“A week ago, a police constable, who was recently engaged to a girl, died after falling off his motorcycle. He was not wearing the helmet in a proper way,” he said.  

On Fridays and Saturdays, traffic police have been booking cases against motorists for drink-and-drive.

Earlier, city police screened CCTV footage of some recent accidents, including the one near Mangala swimming pool where a car went over the pavement that resulted in the death of a woman and injury to two other women.

“These are accidents in Mangaluru city. We want you all to drive and walk on city roads with caution,” said Assistant Commissioner of Police (traffic) Najma Farooqi.

A citizen Chris Crasta spoke about the grief the family is feeling over the death of his sister following an accident at Nantoor junction four months ago. Another citizen Reema recalled the accident involving a vehicle driven by her son, and asked parents not to give the key of their vehicles till children are aged 25.

Film actor Aravind Bolar also spoke.

Senior Regional Transport Officer Shridhar Mallad, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Sidharth Goyal and DCP (Crime and Traffic) K. Ravi Shankar were present.

Students of St. Agnes College presented a skit on road safety.