Lucknow, Sept. 27 -- Road accidents and fatalities increased in Lucknow and Lakhimpur Kheri in the period January to August this year, prompting the divisional administration to seek a detailed analysis of the reasons behind the rise and possible corrective measures. At a meeting of the Lucknow divisional road safety committee chaired by divisional commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant on Saturday, officials said road accidents in Lucknow increased by 11.9% and those in Lakhimpur Kheri by 9.3% in the period under review. Fatalities also rose by 10.6% in Lucknow and 12.3% in Lakhimpur Kheri. A comparative analysis of the data shared by Transport Department showed that overall, the number of road accidents in Lucknow division declined by 10.4%, from 4,437 in January-August 2025 to 4,400 during the corresponding period this year. However, fatalities rose 12.9%, from 2,359 to 2,396, indicating a rise in the severity of crashes. The number of injured also declined by 12.2%, from 3,242 to 3,304. While fatalities declined in Unnao, Rae Bareli and Hardoi, they increased by 6.4% in Sitapur, 10.6% in Lucknow and 12.3% in Lakhimpur Kheri. In contrast, Unnao, Rae Bareli, Sitapur and Hardoi recorded a decline in the number of road accidents, according to the review. Pant directed officials to analyse the reasons for the increase in accidents and deaths in Lucknow and Lakhimpur Kheri and submit details. The meeting also reviewed black spots on roads maintained by the public works department and National Highways Authority of India, with officials directed to complete corrective measures within a stipulated timeframe. Officials also examined accidents involving three or more deaths under the Uttar Pradesh Road Accident Investigation Scheme, 2023. Pant stressed that investigation reports should clearly identify the causes of crashes so that preventive measures could be targeted accordingly. The committee flagged delays in compensation claims under the hit-and-run scheme. As of the review, 25 pre-2026 cases remained pending-five in Lucknow, seven in Rae Bareli, three in Sitapur and 10 in Hardoi. Officials were asked to clear all such cases before the next meeting. The committee also discussed cashless treatment for road accident victims. While several private hospitals have been empanelled under the PM relief scheme, Lucknow traffic police said some hospitals were refusing cashless treatment. The administration directed officials to compile a list of such hospitals and share it with the health department. School transport safety was another key focus. Officials were directed to ensure formation of school transport safety committees in every school. The education department will nominate an officer at the tehsil or block level to oversee their formation, while the regional transport office will prepare a standardised format to monitor the committees' meetings and actions....