05-December-2024-Special-Article

ROAD ACCIDENTS IN INDIA

India faces a severe road safety crisis, with alarming rates of accidents and fatalities. Despite government efforts to halve road accident deaths by 2030, recent data shows an increase in accidents and fatalities. This issue highlights the urgent need for robust interventions.

Current State of Road Accidents in India

Total Accidents and Fatalities

• Global Ranking: India has the highest road accident fatalities worldwide, with a death rate of 250 per 10,000 km, surpassing countries like the USA (57), China (119), and Australia (11).
• 2023 Statistics: Over 4.80 lakh road accidents occurred, leading to 1.72 lakh deaths, a 2.6% rise compared to 2022.
• Fatalities by Cause:

• 54,000 deaths were due to two-wheeler riders not wearing helmets.
• 16,000 deaths resulted from non-use of seat belts.
• 12,000 deaths were caused by overloaded vehicles.
• 34,000 accidents involved drivers without valid licenses.

Accident Rate

• A 4.2% increase in crashes was observed in 2023 compared to the previous year.
• Daily averages: 1,317 crashes and 474 fatalities, equating to 55 crashes and 20 deaths per hour.
• Crash severity, measured as fatalities per 100 crashes, slightly dropped from 36.5 in 2022 to 36 in 2023.

Demographic Insights

• Minor fatalities: 10,000 minors lost their lives in accidents in 2023.
• Pedestrian and two-wheeler deaths: Together, they accounted for 44.8% and 20% of fatalities, respectively.

Regional Variations

• Uttar Pradesh (UP) recorded 44,000 road accidents in 2023, resulting in 23,650 deaths, which included 1,800 children and 10,000 pedestrians.
• Over-speeding caused 8,726 deaths in UP alone.

Causes of High Road Accidents in India

Human Factors

• Reckless Driving and Speeding: Accounted for 68.1% of deaths in 2023.
• Non-compliance with Traffic Laws: Non-use of helmets and seat belts remains a major issue.

Infrastructure Issues

• Poorly designed roads, potholes, inadequate pedestrian crossings, and improper road maintenance contribute significantly to accidents.

Lack of Crash Monitoring Systems

• India lacks a national crash-level database, hampering data-driven policymaking.

Vehicle Safety Concerns

• Many vehicles lack modern safety features.
• Crash tests (2014): Highlighted that several popular Indian car models failed UN-mandated frontal crash tests.

Limited Awareness and Enforcement

• Awareness about safety features like airbags and ABS remains low.
• Road safety campaigns have had limited impact on fostering a culture of safety.

Government Initiatives for Road Safety

National-Level Policies

1. National Road Safety Policy (2010): Focused on creating safer roads and reducing accidents.
2. Motor Vehicles Amendment Act (2019): Strengthened penalties for traffic violations and mandated safety measures.
3. Supreme Court Directives (2017):
   • Formation of State Road Safety Councils.
   • Creation of road safety funds.
   • Introduction of road safety education in school curricula.

Legislative Measures

• Carriage by Road Act (2007) and Control of National Highways Act (2000): Focused on regulating road transport and traffic.
• National Highways Authority of India Act (1998): Ensured efficient highway management.

Global Commitments

1. Brasilia Declaration (2015): Targeted a 50% reduction in road deaths by 2030 under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
2. Decade of Action for Road Safety (2021-2030): Aimed at improving global road safety standards.
3. Bloomberg Initiative (2020-2025): Focused on implementing life-saving measures in developing countries.

Sundar Committee Recommendations

• National Road Safety Board: Proposed as a central body to oversee road safety measures.
• State-Level Boards: Suggested similar structures for state-level coordination.
• Post-Accident Care: Advocated better trauma care and a national accident database.
• Funding: Recommended allocating 1% of fuel cess for road safety initiatives.

Way Forward

Promote Safe Driving Practices

• Strict adherence to traffic rules, maintaining safe distances, and regular vehicle maintenance are essential.
• Defensive driving techniques, especially at intersections, can reduce risks.

Increase Awareness and Enforcement

• Comprehensive road safety campaigns should focus on educating the public about helmets, seat belts, and vehicle maintenance.
• Stricter enforcement of traffic laws, standardized driving licenses, and higher penalties for violations are necessary.

Enhance Infrastructure

• Repairing potholes, improving road signage, and segregating lanes for different vehicle types can reduce accidents.
• Vehicles must adhere to global safety standards, including advanced features like emergency braking systems.

Strengthen Data Systems and Technology

• Establishing a real-time national crash database can improve monitoring and policy formulation.
• Integrating AI-based systems for traffic management can help detect and mitigate risks efficiently.

State-Level Involvement

• State governments must ensure the maintenance of local roads, enforce traffic regulations, and provide adequate trauma care facilities.

Conclusion

India’s road safety situation requires urgent attention through a collaborative approach involving government bodies, private sectors, and the public. By focusing on Education, Engineering, Enforcement, and Emergency Care (4E’s), the nation can tackle the root causes of road accidents. Prioritizing these measures can pave the way for safer roads and reduced fatalities, contributing to a healthier and more secure society.

Mains Question:

1. Discuss the causes of increasing road accidents in India despite various government initiatives and suggest effective measures to enhance road safety. (150 WORDS)