CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES OF ROAD ACCIDENTS IN KERALA

Road accident scenario in the country is a matter of great concern, as it has developed into a major social, economic and health problem. Accident cost includes medical expenses, gross loss of output in administrative and court expenses and also the cost of intangible consequences like pain, grief and sufferings. Rapid increase in the number of motor vehicles especially during the last two decades has been the major reason for the increasing number of road accidents. In our country several safety programme, developing vehicle technology and new Motor Vehicle Act etc are considered, planned and implemented to control the impacts of road transport injuries. This paper attempts to find out the main causes of accidents occurring in Kerala and suggest some remedial measures.