Imagine a world where every few minutes, another life is lost on the road. This isn’t a dystopian thriller; it’s a grim reality. Road safety is a global crisis, and India is no exception. The UN declared 2021-2030 the Decade of Action for Road Safety, aiming to halve road deaths by 2030. As a signatory to this commitment, India faces the urgent task of drastically reducing road fatalities and injuries.
With over 4.5 lakh road accidents in 2022 alone, the crisis demands immediate attention and intervention. With 2030 inching closer, the need for safer roads is a wake-up call to act now.
Road accidents don’t just end lives; they shatter families and leave lasting scars on communities. Survivors may face lifelong disabilities, emotional trauma, and PTSD, adding to the already heavy burden.
These far-reaching consequences underscore the urgent need for action to prevent road accidents. In stark contrast to global trends, India has witnessed a worrisome 177% surge in road fatalities between 2005 and 2022.
This alarming rise coincides with rapid infrastructural development, increased vehicle accessibility, and growing affluence – factors that have led to a significant increase in the number of vehicles on Indian roads. While this growth signifies progress, it has outpaced the development of crucial road safety infrastructure and awareness.
India’s road safety record presents a complex picture. While the sheer number of accidents is undeniably alarming, a relative comparison reveals a surprising truth: India’s accident and injury rates, when adjusted for its vast population, are lower than many developed nations like the USA, UK, and Japan. However, this doesn’t diminish the urgency of the situation.
The global community has set an ambitious target of halving road deaths by 2030, a goal India is struggling to meet. To win the war on road safety, India needs to follow a symbiotic multi-pronged approach. This includes stricter enforcement of traffic regulations, significant improvements in road infrastructure, enhanced vehicle safety standards, and nationwide public awareness campaigns to foster a culture of responsible driving.
Though road safety campaigns are widespread, many crucial safety practices are still ignored. Over-speeding is a major concern, causing 72% of accidents, according to the Ministry of Road Transport.
Over-speeding and distracted driving due to mobile phones or other distractions are some other significant issues. Neglecting vehicle maintenance, drunk driving, and ignoring road conditions also contribute to accidents.
To curb rampant traffic violations, India enforced stricter penalties in 2019, but these have had little impact. The solution lies in addressing behavioral issues through education, enforcement, engineering, and emergency response. Vigorous enforcement is crucial to reduce over-speeding and wrong-side driving – major causes of accidents.
Technology like AI-powered surveillance and automated challans can enhance our efforts. Additionally, improving public transport can ease traffic congestion and promote safer travel thereby reducing road mishaps.
Mass education and awareness must be a regular exercise to ensure road safety becomes a nationwide movement. Collaboration with the Government, educational institutions, and India Inc. can play a transformative role, especially during the observation of the Road Safety Month.
Schools and colleges should integrate road safety modules into their curriculums, with workshops, practical demonstrations, and awareness campaigns conducted regularly. By instilling these values early, young individuals can act as ambassadors of safe driving practices.
While working towards developing better roads and safer driving practices, it is crucial to address infrastructure issues by fixing engineering flaws and ‘black spots’ on national and state highways. The relevant authorities should focus on providing quick emergency services like advanced life support ambulances and trauma care centers near accident-prone areas.
This helps save lives and helps in providing quick aid. While financial penalties are necessary, the intent should be on promoting responsible behavior through education and awareness and here, both corporations and the government need to work together.
While responsible corporates continue to innovate safer vehicles with advanced safety features and conduct road safety campaigns for awareness, the Centre and the state governments can help improve infrastructure, enforce traffic laws, and educate the public. This joint effort will not only save lives but also pave the way for a culture of responsible and advanced mobility, ensuring a safer future for all road users.
The path to safer roads in India demands a collective journey. It requires a transformation in our approach, from reactive measures to proactive prevention. By embracing technology, prioritizing education, and promoting a culture of responsible road use, India can turn the tide on this crisis. Every life saved is a victory, and every step taken towards safer roads is a step towards a brighter future for all. Let us commit to making India’s roads a symbol of progress, not tragedy.
Jyoti Malhotra is the Managing Director at Volvo Car India. Authors’ views are personal.