Varanasi Road Accidents: 678 Deaths in Two Years, 10 PM–2 AM Most Fatal Period

Varanasi: Road safety concerns have intensified in Varanasi after official data revealed that 678 people lost their lives in road accidents across the city and surrounding areas over the past two years. Authorities have identified the period between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. as the most dangerous time for motorists, with fatalities during these hours significantly exceeding daytime figures.

According to transport and traffic department records, several major routes have emerged as accident-prone corridors, including the Pandeypur-Azamgarh Highway, Babatpur Four-Lane Road, Varanasi-Chandauli Highway, Varanasi-Ghazipur Highway, and Ring Road Phases I and II. Officials attribute the high number of crashes to overspeeding, drunk driving, poor adherence to traffic rules, and inadequate safety measures at certain locations.

Authorities noted that emergency response during nighttime remains a major challenge. Unlike daytime accidents, when passersby and traffic personnel can quickly alert emergency services, many late-night crashes go unnoticed for extended periods. In some cases, accident victims were reportedly discovered only the following morning, reducing the chances of timely medical intervention.

Data indicates that nearly 65 percent of victims died at the accident site, while others succumbed to injuries during transportation to hospitals or while undergoing treatment. Officials believe that faster rescue operations and improved emergency response systems could help reduce fatalities.

In response to the alarming trend, transport and traffic authorities have begun identifying accident hotspots and are preparing plans to strengthen road safety infrastructure. Proposed measures include increased night patrols, enhanced lighting, stricter enforcement against drunk driving and overspeeding, and improvements in emergency response mechanisms.