Hyderabad tops accident-prone cities, Miyapur among most dangerous areas: ACKO 2024
Hyderabad: According to the ACKO Accident Index 2024, Hyderabad has emerged as the most accident-prone city in India, surpassing Delhi NCR, Pune, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, and Ahmedabad. Within Hyderabad, the Miyapur area has been identified as one of the highest-risk zones, securing the 6th position in the national rankings. Other high-risk areas include Bommanahalli in Bengaluru (1st), Noida in Delhi NCR (2nd), Marunji in Pune (3rd), Mira Road in Mumbai (4th), Medavakkam in Chennai (5th), Bhopal in Ahmedabad (7), and Gobinda Khatick Road in Kolkata (8th).
The ACKO Accident Index provides a comprehensive analysis of driving and accident trends across major Indian cities, highlighting the growing concerns about road safety.
Accident Trends in 2024
The index reveals concerning trends, with nearly 78% of all road accidents occurring in India’s metro cities. While Hyderabad and Delhi NCR top the list as the most accident-prone regions for car owners, Bengaluru stands out for its high number of pothole-related accidents, contributing to 45% of the national total. Chennai, on the other hand, saw an unusually high number of insurance claims due to the impacts of Cyclone Michaung this year. Surprisingly, stray animals, particularly dogs, have emerged as a significant risk factor for road safety, causing more accidents than drunk driving. However, coconuts have been responsible for 2.28 times more accidents than alcohol-related incidents.
Car and Animal Hazards
When it comes to vehicles, the Hyundai i10 is the most accident-prone car on Indian roads, closely followed by the Maruti Suzuki Swift, Baleno, i20, and Swift Dzire. Additionally, stray animals, particularly dogs, cows, buffaloes, monkeys, and goats, remain significant causes of road accidents, further complicating the safety landscape.
What to Do in Case of an Accident
If you find yourself in an accident, it is crucial to stay calm and follow these steps:
1. Ensure Safety First: Check for injuries and move to a safe spot.
2. Call Your Insurance Company: Report the accident immediately and follow their instructions.
3. Document the Scene: Take photos of damages, injuries, and the overall scene.
4. Exchange Information: Share insurance and contact details with the other party.
5. File an FIR if Necessary: If there’s major damage or injury, file a First Information Report.
6. Notify Your Insurer: Keep your insurer informed about third-party damage.
7. Assess and Repair the Damage: Don’t repair immediately; let the insurance surveyor assess the damage first.
Taking these steps will ensure that you handle the situation professionally and streamline the claims process with your insurance provider. Staying calm and avoiding admitting fault will help make the process more efficient.