Road traffic accidents in Gujarat (2023): A comprehensive analysis of trends, causes and mitigation strategies

Road traffic accidents (RTAs) continue to pose a significant public health challenge in India, with Gujarat recording 7,854 fatalities in 2023 alone. This study critically examines the Comprehensive Road Accident Analysis Report (2023) published by the Gujarat Road Safety Authority to identify key trends, underlying causes, and high-risk demographics. The findings indicate that vulnerable road users, including pedestrians and two-wheeler riders, accounted for 68.6% of total fatalities, with over speeding (contributing to 92.9% of cases) and non-compliance with safety measures (76.3% helmet non-use) emerging as major causative factors. District-wise analysis reveals stark disparities, with Devbhumi Dwarka experiencing a 57.7% surge in fatalities, while urban-rural differences highlight infrastructural and enforcement deficiencies. The study proposes evidence-based interventions, including stricter regulatory enforcement, enhanced pedestrian infrastructure, and targeted public awareness campaigns, in alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.6, which aims to halve global road traffic deaths by 2030.