New Delhi, Jan 2 (IANS) Delhi has recorded the lowest number of road accident deaths in 2014 in the past five years, police said here Friday.
Delhi Police revealed that a total of 1,595 people were killed in 1,559 road accidents till Dec 15 as compared to 1,754 deaths in 1,715 road accidents in 2013.
Delhi’s roads took a toll of 1,866 people in 2012 compared to 2,110 in 2011, 2,153 in 2010 and 2,325 in 2009.
“Reduction in road accidents remained one of the top most priorities of traffic police. Delhi Traffic Police identified 128 black spots and suitable remedial measures were initiated to decline fatalities in road accidents,” said Delhi Police Commissioner B.S. Bassi at his annual press conference Friday.
“The decline in fatal road accidents can also be attributed to the systematic analysis of cause, time and place of accidents. Special night checking-cum-patrolling by traffic police and action against drunken driving also contributed in decline of fatalities,” he said.
Counselling of traffic offenders also played a good role in decline of road accidents, he added.
A total of 38,224 traffic violators were counselled by the Road Safety Cell staff, highlighting the negative effects of drunken driving, over-speeding, permit violation which are threat to their life as well as the safety of others.
The transport department has suspended driving licenses of 707 people for drunken and dangerous driving.
A total of 28,059 motorists were prosecuted for drunken driving till Dec 15, 2014, as compared to 24,564 during the corresponding period in 2013.
A total of 6,653 violators were given sentences for detention, 17 were awarded imprisonment ranging from one to three days, 21 for four to five days, seven for six to nine days, and six for more than 10 days.
Delhi Traffic Police forwarded 2,723 cases of drunken driving, 8,251 cases of without vehicle’s permit, 11,375 cases of without its fitness, 22,717 cases of driving without licences, and 1,055 cases of permit violations to the transport department till Dec 15, 2014, for taking necessary action.
Delhi Police have been connected to the public through WhatsApp on mobile number 8750871493 since October 2014 to receive complaints from the public regarding any traffic violation, unauthorised parking and other offences, and a total of 35,747 calls have been received on the number.