Around 47,600 new vehicles were added to the vehicle population in the city in 2010, of which 32,844 were two-wheelers. The number of fatalities also increased at an alarming rate of 34%, compared to 2009.
While commercial vehicles increased by 11,006, Puneites purchased 4,727 new cars in 2010. According to the Regional Transport Office, the city now plays host to 1,24,196 two-wheelers, 39,141 cars and 13,166 commercial vehicles.
Deputy commissioner of police (traffic) Manoj Patil said most of the road accidents that took place in the city involved two-wheelers.
“A large number of heavy vehicles pass through the city as highways to Mumbai, Satara and Solapur wind through it. Some cities have comparatively better ring roads and road networks. In Pune, there is not enough space available for roads. At the same time, vehicles are also increasing, resulting in the burgeoning traffic congestion,” Patil said.
Road safety activist Chandmal Parmar said pedestrians are not safe on city roads.
“The major reasons for rising number of road accidents are lack of law enforcement, overloading of vehicles and damaged roads, over-speeding and riding two-wheelers without helmets. Moreover, the people have a tendency to violate traffic rules. Rash driving is also a reason for mishaps.”
