New Delhi, Nov 23:Pedestrians constitute a major chunk of road users killed in accidents in Delhi. In 2001, the number of pedestrians who lost their lives was 924 - 50.16 per cent of the total deaths in road accidents. Most of these victims were teens under 16.
Within the city, the volume of vehicular traffic and pedestrian activity is high, compelling pedestrians to scuttle among vehicles to cross a road. At certain points, the roads are narrow and footpaths missing. In such cases, pedestrians run a high risk of being run over. So who is to blame? Most pedestrians feel that vendors and encroachers are the real culprits. Says bank employee Usha Sharma, "When these people take over footpaths, where does a pedestrian go? The only space available is the road. It is risky, but the only alternative."