Hit-and-run deaths top 1,000 in Gujarat as road fatalities remain high

Growing hit-and-run incidents and reckless driving are emerging as major road safety concerns in Gujarat. According to the Gujarat Road Safety Authority (GRSA), 1,090 people died in hit-and-run accidents in 2024. The state recorded 1,902 hit-and-run cases, accounting for 14% of all road accidents. Nearly 59% of these cases were fatal.

Overall, Gujarat reported 15,588 road accidents in 2024, resulting in 7,717 deaths and 9,301 grievous injuries. Of these, 7,088 were fatal accidents.

Rear-end collisions were the deadliest category of crashes. The state recorded 5,159 such accidents, including 2,110 fatal crashes that claimed 2,279 lives, according to the GRSA report.


In terms of accident type, rear-end collisions were the most severe, with 5,159 reported cases and 2,279 deaths, representing 29.53% of total fatalities.

Accidents peaked during the autumn and winter months, with 1,355 cases in October, 1,411 in November and 1,492 in December. July recorded the fewest accidents at 1,060, though they still claimed 515 lives.

“The 2024 data highlights that vulnerable road users continue to be disproportionately affected on Gujarat’s roads, in line with national and global trends,” the report said.

Pedestrians accounted for about 23% of fatalities, while two-wheeler riders made up 48.23%. “The non-use of safety equipment continues to be a critical concern,” the report noted.

The absence of helmets led to 3,021 deaths in 2024, accounting for 81% of all two-wheeler fatalities. Riders accounted for 75% of those deaths.

Men represented 81% of fatalities and 78% of injuries, while women accounted for 19% of fatalities and 22% of injuries.

Over-speeding remained the leading cause of crashes, contributing to more than 90% of reported fatalities and grievous injuries.

Vehicle involvement data showed that light motor vehicles were the striking vehicle in 27% of cases and accounted for 12.4% of victims.

The highest number of fatalities and grievous injuries occurred between 6 pm and 9 pm.

“Time analysis reveals a consistent risk period during the evening hours between 18:00 and 21:00, which recorded the highest number of fatalities and grievous injuries. This peak period coincides with heavy traffic congestion, reduced daylight visibility and driver fatigue or hurried behaviour, making it the most hazardous time of day for commuters across both urban and rural areas,” the report said.