Late-night hours between midnight and 3 a.m. have become the deadliest for commuters on Chandigarh’s roads in 2025, with seven fatal accidents claiming nine lives during this time frame up until August. Data from the Chandigarh traffic police indicates that from January to August 2025, there have been 50 fatalities resulting from 47 registered road accidents. In addition, seven fatal crashes occurred without FIRs being filed, bringing the total number of fatal incidents to 54, which resulted in 57 deaths.
Furthermore, the data reveals that 81 non-fatal crashes were reported, leaving 69 individuals injured. Among the fatalities, 46 were men and four were women. Although fatal accidents occurred throughout the day, the period from midnight to 3 a.m. stood out as the most lethal, while the afternoon hours from 12 p.m.–3 p.m. also saw seven lives lost. The late-night period from 9 p.m. to midnight claimed ten lives, and evening hours between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. accounted for five deaths. Early morning fatalities from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. reached four.
Traffic police officials attribute late-night crashes to factors such as speeding, reckless driving, and impaired judgment. The absence of traffic and reduced vigilance during late hours often leads drivers to exceed safety limits, resulting in tragic outcomes.
The analysis indicates that the southeast and southwest zones of Chandigarh are the most hazardous, each reporting 14 deaths this year until August. The eastern zone followed with 11 fatalities, while the central zone recorded the fewest with nine. In non-fatal incidents, however, the central zone experienced the highest number of crashes at 27, reflecting heavy traffic flow and high commercial density.
Two-wheeler and e-two-wheeler riders continue to be the most vulnerable road users, accounting for 23 of the reported deaths, with 21 being male riders. Pedestrians contributed to another 17 fatalities, while seven cyclists also lost their lives. Only one fatal accident involved a light motor vehicle, and another involved an e-rickshaw. Notably, there were no fatalities reported in accidents involving buses or heavy trucks during this period.
The 18-25 age group emerged as the most affected demographic, with 15 deaths recorded this year until August. This was followed by the 35-45 age group with 13 victims and the 45-60 age group with 11. Seven victims fell within the 25-35 age range, and there were two minors under 18 and three elderly individuals over 60 among the fatalities.
Missing rumble strips on the road from Zirakpur to Hallomajra, heavy traffic near a wine shop in Sector 48, overgrown tree branches in Sector 55, and faded lane markings at the Zirakpur barrier near the CRPF post were some key observations made by the Road Accident and Analysis Cell (RAAC) of Chandigarh Traffic Police. Their report on 27 fatal accidents included recommendations aimed at preventing such incidents.
Data from the RAAC indicates that out of 68 reported accidents in Chandigarh until April this year, 30 were fatal, resulting in 32 deaths and 47 injuries. The assessments of these accidents were made based on FIRs and site inspections conducted by the Chandigarh traffic police.
Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/midnight-to-3-am-deadliest-hours-on-chandigarh-roads-saw-9-deaths-this-year-in-7-accidents-ut-police-10248534/
Category: Chandigarh,Cities
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Publish Date: 2025-09-14 01:56:00
