HYDERABAD: Road safety in the state has taken a hit, with accidents rising sharply by 20% over the past two years. Latest data, according to Telangana police, shows that reported accidents rose from 22,900 in 2023 to 27,300 in 2025. The upward trend has persisted since 2020, with around 2,000 cases recorded over time.Regional Transport Authority (RTA) officials say a major part of this increase is due to more thorough reporting, as even minor crashes are now logged and FIR registrations have been intensified. They point to four main causes behind the surge: overspeeding, driving on the wrong side, not wearing helmets, and drunk driving.These incidents have claimed 7,500 lives, averaging nearly 20 deaths each day. Surprisingly, Hyderabad is not the most affected in terms of fatalities. Districts like Warangal, Nalgonda and Khammam reported the highest death tolls in 2025.
At the same time, the Cyberabad and Rachakonda police commissionerates have registered the largest number of fatal accidents statewide. Together with Warangal, these regions accounted for nearly 28% fatalities.Police officials say the high fatality rate in Cyberabad was largely due to itshighway network, including the Outer Ring Road, where speeding, drunk driving and negligence are common. Other major causes include mobile phone usage while driving, fatigue and failure to use safety measures such as helmets and seat belts.“Beyond vehicle-related crashes, pedestrian deaths rank as the second-leading cause of fatalities in Cyberabad. The stretch between Moosapet and Patancheru has emerged as particularly dangerous, recording the highest number of pedestrian deaths. The road remains heavily congested throughout the day, with only brief periods of reduced traffic late at night,” a senior Cyberabad police officer said.Road safety experts pointout speeding as the key factor, contributing to over 70% accidents. In addition to human error, poor road infrastructure has worsened the situation.“Authorities should move beyond relying on speed cameras and instead focus on improving road markings, upgrading traffic signal systems, installing clear signage and enforcing appropriate speed limits, especially on curves. On highways and the ORR, frequent overtaking manoeuvres continue to trigger accidents. Fatigue and sudden tyre bursts further increase the danger, sometimes causing drivers to lose control and crash,” Vinod Kanumala, road safety expert from Indian Federation of Road Safety, said.
