Grim reality: The highest number of fatalities among the 25-35 age group is reportedly largely because they are the most active road users.
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People aged 25-35 years recorded the highest cumulative number of fatalities in road accidents on National Highways, including Expressways, in Karnataka between 2022 and 2026, according to data from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
The data showed that 10,489 people in the 25-35 age group lost their lives in National Highway accidents in the State during the five-year period, the highest among all age categories. The figures showed that 3,346 people aged 25-35 years died in 2022, followed by 2,825 in 2023, 3,027 in 2024, 809 in 2025, and 482 in 2026.
The 35-45 years age group recorded the second-highest cumulative fatalities, with 9,252 deaths over five years. The annual figures stood at 2,687 in 2022, 2,714 in 2023, 2,691 in 2024, 748 in 2025 and 412 in 2026.
1,617 fatalities involving minors
The 45-60 years category reported 7,590 fatalities during the period, including 2,148 deaths in 2022, 2,470 in 2023, 2,511 in 2024, 948 in 2025 and 513 in 2026. Meanwhile, 7,863 people aged 18-25 years died in highway crashes, with annual fatalities of 2,267, 2,261, 2,527, 482 and 326, respectively.
Among other age groups, 4,498 people aged 60 years and above lost their lives in National Highway accidents during the five-year period. The data also recorded 1,617 fatalities involving persons below 18 years, while 63 deaths were categorised under “age not known”.
The information was provided by Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari in a written reply to the Lok Sabha recently. The Ministry said that the age-wise figures relate to persons killed in road accidents on National Highways, including expressways, across the country.
The Ministry also noted that while the data for 2022 to 2024 was based on information entered by State Police officials, the figures for 2025 and 2026 were sourced from the e-DAR (Electronic Detailed Accident Report) portal.
‘Age group most active users’
Senior transport expert M.N. Srihari said that the highest number of fatalities among the 25-35 age group was largely because they were the most active road users.
“They travel frequently for work, education and personal commitments, increasing their exposure to road crashes. Many young drivers also tend to speed, make rash decisions, overestimate their driving skills and underestimate the risks on the road,” he told The Hindu.
On measures to reduce such deaths, Mr. Srihari said this would require stricter enforcement against speeding and reckless driving, scientific analysis of the causes of crashes, and sustained road safety education.
“The government should adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards dangerous driving. Vehicles involved in serious traffic violations, particularly overspeeding, should be seized. There should also be a detailed analysis of every major accident to identify the causes and prevent similar crashes in the future,” he added.
Published – August 01, 2026 06:01 am IST
