The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, in its latest report on road accidents, has revealed that the highest number of accidents resulting in fatalities were caused by the 'Hit from Back' category, accounting for 19.5 percent of all accident-related deaths. This was closely followed by 'Hit and Run' accidents, which accounted for 18.1 percent of the total, and 'Head-on Collision' accidents, which accounted for 15.7 percent.
Similarly, in terms of total accidents, the 'Hit from Back' category also claimed the largest share at 21.4 percent. 'Head-on Collision' accidents followed with 16.9 percent, and the 'others' category accounted for 16.5 percent. Another significant type of collision leading to fatalities was 'Hit from Side,' which accounted for 12.1 percent of the total.
To address the severity of hit-and-run accidents, the Motor Vehicle Amendment Act of 2019 was introduced with enhanced compensation rates. Previously, the compensation for the death of a victim in a hit-and-run incident was set at Rs 25,000. However, under the new amendment, the compensation has been increased to Rs 2,00,000.
A rear-end collision, also known as a hit from the back, occurs when a vehicle crashes into the one in front of it. Several factors contribute to these types of accidents, including driver distraction or lack of attention, tailgating, panic stops, and reduced traction due to wet weather or worn pavement.
Other categories, such as "Run off the Road" accidents, typically occur when a driver loses control of their vehicle. This loss of control can be attributed to factors such as excessive or inappropriate speed, driver distraction, misjudging a curve, attempting to avoid colliding with another road user, or an animal.