Karnataka highways: 25-35 age group worst hit in five-year road fatality data
New data from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has revealed that people aged 25-35 accounted for the highest number of deaths in road accidents on National Highways, including expressways, in Karnataka between 2022 and 2026. The figures, tabled in the Lok Sabha, show a cumulative 10,489 fatalities in this age group over the five-year period.
The annual breakdown for the 25-35 age group shows 3,346 deaths in 2022, 2,825 in 2023, 3,027 in 2024, 809 in 2025, and 482 in 2026. This group was followed by those aged 35-45, who recorded 9,252 fatalities during the same span, with annual figures of 2,687, 2,714, 2,691, 748, and 412 respectively.
Other age groups also saw significant losses. The 45-60 category reported 7,590 deaths, while 7,863 people aged 18-25 died in highway crashes. Among older citizens, 4,498 people aged 60 and above lost their lives. The data also counted 1,617 fatalities involving minors below 18 years, and 63 deaths where the age was not recorded.
The Ministry clarified that the statistics for 2022 to 2024 were based on information provided by State Police officials, while figures for 2025 and 2026 were drawn from the Electronic Detailed Accident Report (e-DAR) portal. The age-wise data specifically pertains to those killed on National Highways and expressways in Karnataka.
Transport expert M.N. Srihari, commenting on the trend, said the high toll among 25-35 year-olds is likely because they are 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 explained.
Mr. Srihari called for stricter enforcement against speeding and reckless driving, along with scientific analysis of crash causes 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.
