Two wheeler riders are emerging as the biggest contributors to fatal road accidents in Delhi. In the first five months of 2025 alone, 556 people lost their lives in accidents where vehicles were found to be at fault with motorcyclists and scooterists responsible for the highest number of deaths.
Two-Wheelers Account for Maximum Deaths
According to Delhi Traffic Police data, two-wheelers were involved in 84 fatal crashes more than any other category of vehicles. This includes motorcycles and scooters, which make up nearly three-fourths of all motorised vehicles in the city.
Other vehicle-related fatality figures for the January–May period include:
- Private cars – 82 deaths
- Heavy goods vehicles – 55 deaths
- Tempos – 31 deaths
- Auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws – 11 deaths each
- Other vehicles (including tankers, vans, cranes, tractors) – 39 deaths
In addition, 243 fatal hit-and-run cases were recorded where the offending vehicle could not be identified.
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Delhi Road Accident Stats: Jan–May 2025
Despite an overall drop in fatalities, the rise in injuries highlights ongoing concerns about road safety.
What’s Causing the Spike in Two-Wheeler Deaths?
Traffic authorities have flagged several risk factors:
- Over-speeding and aggressive riding
- Zigzag movement between lanes
- Lack of proper helmets or not fastening them correctly
- Dangerous overtaking and jumping red lights
“Many riders use powerful two-wheelers with high acceleration that are not suited for congested city roads,” a senior traffic official said.
Delhi Police Tighten Enforcement Measures
In response, Delhi Police have intensified their enforcement drive:
- Over 1.27 million challans were issued to two-wheeler riders between January 1 and May 15, 2025.
- Common violations include helmet rule violations, speeding, and reckless driving.
- Special awareness drives and traffic safety campaigns are being rolled out, particularly in accident-prone zones.
Crash Hotspot Interventions Yielding Results
The crackdown is supported by engineering audits at 43 accident prone blackspots. Authorities report a 15% drop in fatal crashes and 13% reduction in road fatalities at these locations.
The Road Ahead: A Culture of Responsible Driving
While enforcement and engineering play key roles, officials stress that lasting impact requires a shift in public behavior.
“Helmets save lives, but only when used correctly,” says a traffic department spokesperson. “We need a culture of safety not just compliance.”
Conclusion
Two-wheelers remain at the heart of Delhi’s road safety crisis. While Delhi Police’s intensified action is producing results, more sustained efforts in enforcement, education, and road behavior are crucial to reduce deaths on the city’s streets.
