Data from the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has brought to light the increasing number of road accidents and fatalities in India. Despite the government’s commitment to reduce road accident deaths by 50% by 2030, the situation remains dire, with a notable rise in both road crashes and fatalities in 2023.
Total Accidents and Fatalities:
India reports the highest number of road accident fatalities globally, with a death rate of 250 per 10,000 km, which is significantly higher than countries like the United States (57), China (119), and Australia (11).
In 2023, India recorded over 4.80 lakh road accidents, resulting in over 1.72 lakh deaths. This marks a 2.6% increase from the previous year (2022), when fatalities stood at 1.68 lakh.
Key causes of death included:
54,000 fatalities due to two-wheeler riders not wearing helmets.
16,000 deaths from non-use of seat belts.
12,000 fatalities due to vehicle overloading.
34,000 accidents involved drivers without valid licenses.
Accident Rate:
The number of crashes increased by 4.2% in 2023 compared to 2022.
On average, India experiences 1,317 road crashes and 474 fatalities each day, or roughly 55 crashes and 20 fatalities every hour.
Although the road crash severity (fatalities per 100 crashes) slightly declined from 36.5 in 2022 to 36 in 2023, the overall numbers remain alarmingly high.
Demographic Insights:
In 2023, 10,000 minors and 35,000 pedestrians lost their lives in road accidents.
Pedestrians (44.8%) and two-wheeler users (20%) represent the largest segments of victims.
Regional Disparities:
Uttar Pradesh (UP) recorded the highest number of road accident fatalities, with 44,000 accidents leading to 23,650 deaths in 2023. This includes significant fatalities among minors, pedestrians, and two-wheeler users. Over-speeding was a major contributor, leading to 8,726 deaths.
Human Behavior:
A primary cause of road accidents is human error, particularly reckless driving and over-speeding. In 2023, 68.1% of deaths were caused by over-speeding.
Non-compliance with basic traffic safety measures, such as not wearing helmets and seat belts, is widespread.
Infrastructure Deficiencies:
Poor road design (potholes, inadequate footbridges, and underpasses) and badly maintained roads are significant contributors to accidents.
The absence of safety features like proper road signage or adequate lighting increases risks.
Lack of Crash Monitoring System:
India lacks a comprehensive national database for tracking and analyzing road accidents, which hampers evidence-based policy-making. This absence limits targeted interventions for specific causes of accidents.
Vehicle-Related Issues:
Many vehicles still lack basic safety features, and substandard engineering or outdated technology contribute to high fatality rates.
Crash tests in 2014 showed that many of India’s best-selling car models failed to pass critical safety tests, increasing the likelihood of fatal accidents.
Lack of Awareness and Enforcement:
Despite road safety campaigns, public awareness about the importance of vehicle safety features and traffic laws remains low.
Enforcement of road safety laws is also inadequate in many areas, with lax penalties for violations.
Policy and Legislative Measures:
National Road Safety Policy (NRSP, 2010), which guides the creation of strategies to reduce road accidents.
Motor Vehicles Amendment Act, 2019 aims to improve road safety through stricter penalties for violations.
The Carriage by Road Act, 2007, National Highways (Land and Traffic) Act, 2000, and National Highways Authority of India Act, 1998 provide the legislative framework for improving road infrastructure and safety.
Supreme Court’s Intervention:
In 2014, the Justice K.S. Radhakrishnan panel on road safety was set up, recommending several reforms including:
A ban on the sale of alcohol on highways to curb drunk driving.
Mandatory implementation of helmet laws.
Road safety education in schools and establishment of road safety councils at the district and state levels.
Global Initiatives:
Brasilia Declaration on Road Safety (2015) targets a 50% reduction in road traffic deaths by 2030, which India has committed to.
The United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety (2021-2030) also aims to halve global road deaths and injuries by 2030.
Sundar Committee Recommendations:
Establishment of a National Road Safety & Traffic Management Board.
Creation of State Road Safety Boards and District Road Safety Committees.
Development of a National Road Safety Plan and post-accident care initiatives.
Safe Driving Techniques:
Promoting safe driving habits such as following speed limits, maintaining a safe distance from vehicles, and adhering to traffic laws can significantly reduce road accidents.
Incorporating techniques like the three-second rule (maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle ahead) can prevent rear-end collisions.
Raise Awareness and Strict Enforcement:
Intensifying public awareness campaigns on road safety, along with strict enforcement of traffic laws, is essential.
This includes mandatory helmet use, regular vehicle maintenance, and random traffic safety audits.
Improvement in Infrastructure:
Upgrading roads to fix potholes, improving signage, and providing separate lanes for different vehicles (like bicycles and motorbikes) can reduce accidents.
Ensuring that vehicles meet global safety standards (e.g., airbags, ABS) is crucial for reducing fatalities.
National Database and Technology Integration:
Establishing a national crash database can improve real-time tracking and provide data for better policymaking. Emerging technologies like AI-driven traffic monitoring can also be leveraged for data-driven interventions.
Proactive Role of State Governments:
State governments should play a more proactive role in road safety. This includes maintaining local roads, enforcing traffic laws, and providing adequate trauma care in rural areas.
India’s rising road accident rates demand immediate and coordinated action. By focusing on the 4E’s—Education, Engineering (roads and vehicles), Enforcement, and Emergency Care—a multi-pronged strategy can help address the root causes and improve road safety. Through stringent enforcement of laws, public awareness, better infrastructure, and technology integration, India can work toward reducing road accident fatalities and ensuring safer roads for all.
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In every Lecture. Director Sir will provide conceptual understanding with around 800 Mindmaps.
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