Citation

Chand M. Indian Highw. 1998; 26(3): 25-34.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1998, Indian Roads Congress)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Travellers in Kerala State, India, face a very high accident risk on its National Highways. Its Government has established Motor Accident Claims Tribunals (MACTs) to assess the claims arising from these accidents. This paper presents an analysis of the accidents reported to the MACT in Thiruvananthapuram. A MACT is responsible for adjudicating on claims for compensation in respect of fatality or injury accidents arising from the use of motor vehicles and/or damages to property of a third party. Most of the accidents occurring in the MACT's area are reported to it. Tables show: (1) the growth of road accidents in different parts of Kerala from 1990-91 to 1991-92; (2) analysis of accidents by month and day of week; (3) distribution of accidents by time of day; (4) number of accidents in 1991 according to type of vehicle involved; (5) distribution of accidents by vehicle type and year of filing; and (6) average compensation claims and awards for different vehicle types from 1987 to 1991. The paper also discusses the age and sex characteristics of accident victims, and gives a classification of the types of accident for which compensation may be awarded. The MACT has been found quite convenient for quick settlement and payment of compensation to accident victims. Some recommendations are made for its improvement.


Keywords: Driver distraction;