A report by the 108-ambulance service shows the number of emergency cases in the state following road accidents has surged by 162% since 2014; Pune takes top spot; Mumbai on third
Maharashtra certainly seems to have a lot of rash drivers. Data provided by the 108-ambulance service, Maharashtra Emergency Medical Services (MEMS), shows that the number of accidents in the state has tripled over the last four years. Vehicle collision and drink driving are two of the major causes of road mishaps. The report states that the number of emergency cases following road accidents has surged by 162 per cent since 2014, with Pune recording the highest number of cases and Mumbai at the third spot.
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The statistics
As per statistics, in 2014, 28,758 people received medical care following accidents in the state, but in 2017, the number increased to 75,559. In the last four years, over 2 lakh people across the state have been assisted for injuries by MEMS.
In the last three years, 5,044 people in Mumbai have been in road accidents. A friend of one such victim, Malad resident Kunal Phate, 28, said, "After winning a local cricket tournament, Kunal had a few drinks before he set out for home. His bike skidded near Oberoi Mall and he fell off. As he wasn’t wearing a helmet, he developed a blood clot in his brain. He is undergoing treatment at KEM hospital’s emergency ward."
Incidentally, most emergency calls are received between 4pm and 8pm or between 8 pm and 12am. The report also states that the number of women in road accidents has gone up. In 2012, 225 women met with accidents in Mumbai, but the number has increased to 242 in 2017.
The number of male accident victims, however, has reduced. While 1,568 men were in road accidents in 2015, 1,332 men met with accidents in 2017.
Hanmantrao Gaikwad, chairman and managing director of BVG India Limited, that operates MEMS, said, "The Ministry of Transport, NHAI and other related departments are undertaking many initiatives to make driving safer for citizens."
Use 108 app
Despite the high numbers, medical experts believe the figures are reassuring because the numbers could be higher if not for greater road safety awareness among citizens.
Dr Rita Salve, emergency services expert, says, "Every citizen should download the 108 emergency mobile app to save time contacting emergency services."
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