HUBBALLI: Are the twin cities of Hubballi-Dharwad turning into death traps? Given the data of death toll due to road accidents in the twin cities, it appears to be true. A total of 51 people were killed in road accidents in Hubballi-Dharwad from January to July this year. The increase in accidents is a cause for concern among citizens, especially motorists According to official data of the Hubballi-Dharwad Police Commissionerate, on an average 95 people were killed every year in the last three years. A total of 1,709 road accidents have occurred in the last three-and-a-half years. A total of 387 people have died in these accidents and 1,961 people sustained injuries. From January to July 31 this year, 214 road accidents occurred. A total of 42 men and nine women were killed and 181 sustained injuries. Of the injured, many have become permanently disabled.Shivarudrappa Hosamani, a motorist and a resident of Raj Nagar, said that poorly engineered roads are the reason for accidents. "The twin cities have narrow roads which are also not motorable due to a lot of potholes. The increase in traffic has also added to the woes. The works related to the BRTS, gas pipeline and underground drainage have increased accidents," he alleged.He said that people's representatives and officials have become mute spectators though these problems are common. "Besides, rains have also caused accidents. The lack of footpaths in many roads is also a cause for increase in road accidents," he said.A police source said that 14 blackspots have been identified across the twin cities. Awareness campaigns are also being taken up often. Those violating rules have also been fined. Police said that 20 people died this year in blackspots. Accidents in blackspots such as Hubballi-Dharwad Road, Karwar Road, Kelageri Bridge and Gadag Road are more compared to other blackspots.Deputy Commissioner of police (traffic) B S Nemagoud said that several awareness programmes have been taken to prevent accidents.

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