Bengaluru, 15 Aug

The Transport Department data revealed that there were 2,12,192 accidents and 60,115 deaths over the past six years in the State.

Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, responding to a question from Legislative Council member KN Naveen, said fatalities are mainly due to overspeeding, drunk driving, and loss of control.

Annual figures show no consistent decline: 2020 – 34,178 accidents, 9,760 deaths; 2021 – 34,647, 10,038; 2022 – 39,769, 11,702; 2023 – 43,440, 12,321; 2024 – 39,228, 10,319; 2025 – 21,937, 5,975.

High-risk corridors include the Mysuru–Bengaluru Highway, Tumakuru National Highway, and Bengaluru–Mangaluru National Highway. Last year, Mysuru, Tumakuru, and Bengaluru recorded the highest accident counts. Bengaluru City saw 2,297 accidents and 390 deaths, while Tumakuru recorded 1,279 accidents and 367 deaths.

To curb accidents, the government has installed highway speed regulators, imposed higher fines for overspeeding, and put up more road signage. However, Reddy admitted that despite these measures, accident numbers remain high, underscoring the urgent need for stricter enforcement and public awareness.