Hassan: Hassan district recorded 260 deaths in road accidents during 2025, marking an increase compared to the previous year, with both the number of accidents and fatalities rising over those reported in 2024, as per the data by the Hassan district police.A total of 1,328 accidents were reported in 2025, compared to 1,208 accidents in 2024 when 219 deaths were recorded.Among the major incidents were the deaths of 10 people after a truck ran over them during a Ganesha immersion procession in Mosale Hosahalli, and a fatal accident involving a probationary IPS officer, Harsh Bardhan.Officials attributed the accidents mainly to unscientific speed breakers, violations of traffic rules, rash and negligent driving, and driving after drinking alcohol. In addition, cattle also caused trouble for road users. However, many minor accidents went unreported.A cab driver, Dinesh, who travelled to Mysuru, Bengaluru and Mangaluru regularly, said unscientific and poor roads have also resulted in accidents. He said many blind spots and unscientific roads also contributed to accidents. He urged the authorities concerned to take necessary measures to fix the problems.According to deputy commissioner and district road safety committee chairman KS Latha Kumari, despite ongoing awareness programmes organised by the district administration, police department and regional transport department, accidents were increasing every day. Driving under the influence of alcohol and using mobile phones while driving at high speeds were major causes of these accidents, she said.“The public must responsibly adhere to traffic rules to reduce legal violations. Vehicle drivers should cooperate in this effort,” she said.“It is mandatory to wear helmets while riding two-wheelers and to use seat belts while driving cars and other vehicles, and speed limits should be controlled,” she advised.
