Answer:

Road accidents in India are a serious concern, claiming approximately 150,000 lives annually. With an ever-growing number of vehicles on the roads, India faces significant challenges in ensuring road safety. Factors such as speeding, poor road conditions, and lack of enforcement contribute to these accidents. Addressing these issues requires robust policy measures and the adoption of global best practices in road safety.

Causes of Road Accidents in India:

• Speeding and Reckless Driving: Excessive speed and reckless driving are major contributors to road accidents in India.
  For example: According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), 70% of fatal accidents in 2022 were attributed to speeding, which reduces reaction time and increases the severity of crashes.
• Drunk Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol impairs judgement and coordination, significantly increasing the likelihood of accidents.
  For example: The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reported that 3,314 deaths in 2021 were directly linked to drunk driving, making it a persistent cause of road fatalities.
• Non-Adherence to Traffic Rules: Ignoring traffic signals, not using seat belts, and failure to follow lane discipline are common factors leading to accidents.
  For example: The 2024 India Status Report on Road Safety highlights that only 45% of two-wheeler riders do wear helmets, contributing to high fatalities among motorcyclists.
• Poor Road Infrastructure: Inadequate maintenance of roads, potholes, and poor signage are significant causes of accidents, particularly in rural areas.
  For example: The World Bank noted that rural roads in India have a high incidence of accidents due to poor infrastructure, with the majority of accidents occurring on poorly maintained roads.
• Overloading of Vehicles: Overloading of trucks and passenger vehicles compromises vehicle stability and increases accident risks.

Impact of Inadequate Safety Measures on Road Accidents:

• Insufficient Traffic Enforcement: Inconsistent enforcement of traffic rules leads to unsafe driving practices, such as speeding and reckless driving.
  For example: The MoRTH reported that states with low enforcement levels like Uttar Pradesh have higher accident rates compared to states with stricter enforcement.
• Lack of Road Markings and Signage: Poorly marked roads and inadequate signage create confusion and increase accident risks, especially at night.
  For example: The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) identified that many accidents on national highways occurred due to inadequate signage and poor road markings.
• Inadequate Helmet Usage: Low compliance with helmet use among two-wheeler riders is a critical safety lapse.
• Lack of Highway Audits: The absence of regular highway audits results in undetected issues that could have been mitigated.
• Inadequate Emergency Response Services: Lack of timely trauma care during the golden hour after an accident exacerbates fatalities.
  For example: According to the National Health Mission, 60% of road accident victims in India die because of delayed medical attention, particularly in rural areas where trauma care facilities are lacking.

Learnings for India from Global Road Safety Best Practices:

• Adopting Vision Zero Approach: Sweden’s Vision Zero policy aims to reduce road fatalities to zero by prioritising safety in road design.
  For instance: India could adopt similar principles, focusing on safe road infrastructure and vulnerable road user protection, starting with pilot projects in high-risk areas like Tamil Nadu.
• Strict Enforcement of Helmet Laws: Strict enforcement of helmet laws saves lives by reducing head injury risks in accidents. It promotes road safety and fosters a culture of responsible driving.
  For instance: Countries like Vietnam have implemented strict helmet laws with nearly 100% compliance.
• Comprehensive Highway Safety Audits: Regular highway audits are a key feature in countries like Germany, where road safety audits are mandatory.
  For instance: India can adopt mandatory safety audits for national highways, ensuring regular monitoring and maintenance to improve road quality and safety.
• Strengthening Trauma Care Services: Trauma care units  through partnerships with private healthcare providers and state governments can enhance accident response times and ensure quick medical response, reducing accident fatalities.
  For example: Australia’s Trauma care model across highways can be emulated.
• Promoting Public Awareness Campaigns: Countries like New Zealand use nationwide public awareness campaigns aimed at educating and informing the general public about road safety.
  For example: India can launch nationwide campaigns like Sadak Suraksha to educate drivers and pedestrians about safe practices, making road safety a national priority.

India’s road safety landscape demands immediate reforms. Learning from global best practices, such as mandatory highway audits and public safety campaigns, can significantly reduce road fatalities. The goal of halving traffic deaths by 2030, as set by the United Nations Decade of Action, is achievable with stronger enforcement, improved infrastructure, and a focus on public awareness.

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