Late night hours between midnight and 3 am have emerged as the deadliest for commuters on Chandigarh’s roads this year, as seven fatal accidents in this time band has claimed nine lives, in 2025 till August.
According to the data of Chandigarh traffic police, in the period from January to August 2025, 50 people have died in 47 fatal road accidents in which FIRs were registered. In addition, there were seven fatal crashes where no FIRs were registered, taking the overall fatal crash tally to 54 in this period with 57 deaths.
Also, the data reveals that, alongside, 81 non-fatal crashes were reported, leaving 69 people injured. Also, 46 of the victims were men, while four were women in fatal accidents.
While fatal crashes occurred throughout the day, the midnight to 3 am slot was the deadliest, with seven crashes and nine lives lost. The afternoon hours — from 12 pm–3 pm — claimed seven lives, and the late-night (9 pm)–midnight period claimed 10 lives this year till August. Evening hours — between 6 pm–9 pm — accounted for five deaths, while the early morning time — 6 am–9 am — saw four fatalities.
According to traffic police officials, late-night crashes are often linked to speeding, rash and impaired driving. With empty stretches and reduced vigilance at night, drivers tend to push limits, often with tragic outcomes.
Southeast and southwest zones most dangerous
This year till August, southeast and southwest zones in Chandigarh reported 14 deaths each, making them the most dangerous sectors. The east zone followed with 11 fatalities, while the central zone recorded the lowest death number at nine.
For non-fatal incidents, however, the central zone topped with 27 crashes, reflecting heavy traffic flow and commercial density.
Two-wheelers and pedestrians most at risk
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Two-wheeler and e-two-wheeler riders remain the most vulnerable road users, accounting for 23 of the 50 deaths reported, and among them the most, 21, were male riders.
Pedestrians made up another 17 fatalities, while seven cyclists also lost their lives. Only one victim was linked to a car/LMV (light motor vehicle) crash, and another to an e-rickshaw/rehri. Significantly, no fatalities were reported from accidents involving buses or heavy trucks in this period.
18–25 age group most affected
The 18–25 age group was the worst affected, with 15 deaths this year till August. This was followed by the 35–45 group with 13 victims and the 45–60 group with 11.
Seven victims were in the 25–35 age group, while two minors (under 18) and three elderly people (above 60) also lost their lives.
‘Missing rumble strips, overgrown tree branches’
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Missing rumble strips on the road from Zirakpur towards Hallomajra; high flow of traffic near the wine shop in Sector 48; overgrown tree branches near light point in Sector 55 side; and faded lane marking at the Zirakpur barrier near CRPF post, were few of the technical observations made by the RAAC (Road Accident and Analysis Cell) of the Chandigarh Traffic Police, in a report on 27 fatal accidents, along with recommendations for avoiding such mishaps.
According to the data of the RAAC, in 68 accident cases in Chandigarh that took place this year till April, 30 were fatal, in which 32 persons were killed and 47 injured. The assessment about the 27 fatal accidents has been made based on FIRs and site inspections done by the Chandigarh traffic police.
