India, Aug. 29 -- More than 40% of the 1,72,890 deaths in road accidents in 2023 were due to non-use of helmets and seatbelts, and driving under the influence of intoxicants, according to the annual Road Accidents in India report by the ministry of road transport and highways.

The report noted that 54,568 two-wheeler riders who were killed in 2023 did not wear helmets, including 39,160 drivers and 15,408 passengers. This accounted for 31.6% of all road accident deaths in 2023. Similarly, 16,025 fatalities were reported among vehicle occupants not using seatbelts, comprising 8,441 drivers and 7,584 passengers, which represented 9.3% of total deaths recorded during the year.

The ministry said crashes caused by drunken driving or the consu...