Recently, the Supreme Court directed the Centre to constitute the National Road Safety Board under Section 215B of the Motor Vehicles Act.
Supreme Court Directive
- Timeline Mandate: Court gave the Government six months to constitute the Board, refusing the Centre’s request for nine months.
Notification for National Road Safety Board Rules, 2021
- Issued by : The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
- Composition: Chairman + 3 to 7 Members, appointed by the Central Government.
- HQ in Delhi NCR with provision for regional offices.
- Functions:
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- Frame safety and construction standards, especially for hilly terrains.
- Promote Good Samaritans, new vehicular technologies, and align domestic and international standards.
- Conduct research, crash investigations, and advise on trauma and para-medical facilities.
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- Pending Implementation: The Court noted that the Board exists only on paper without appointment of Chairperson and Members.
- Legal Provision: Section 215B of Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, mandates a National Road Safety Board to advise governments on traffic and safety standards.
Challenges to Road Safety in India
- High Fatality Rate: India records over 1.5 lakh deaths annually due to road accidents which is highest in the world.
- Poor Emergency Response: Lack of swift trauma care, emergency transport, and inter-agency coordination results in preventable fatalities.Neglected Infrastructure & Education: Inadequate driver training, poor road design, and weak enforcement increase vulnerability on roads.
- Implementation Gap: Despite several legal provisions, on-ground implementation of road safety measures remains inconsistent and weak.
- Lack of Coordination: There is limited collaboration between key stakeholders such as traffic police, hospitals, road agencies, and local governments.
- Skewed Priorities: Focus on road expansion often overlooks safety measures like crash barriers, signages, and pedestrian facilities.
- Inadequate Capacity: Shortage of trained personnel, including traffic enforcers and trauma care providers, along with low public awareness.
Recommendation Of Sundar Committee (2010)
- Apex National Body: The Committee recommended the creation of a National Road Safety & Traffic Management Board through an Act of Parliament as an apex advisory body comprising experts from road engineering, traffic law, medical care, and automobile engineering.
- State-Level Institutions: It proposed establishing State Road Safety & Traffic Management Boards in all states and union territories to mirror the functions of the national board and coordinate road safety efforts at the local level.
- National Road Safety Plan: The Committee advocated formulating a National Road Safety Plan with measurable targets and strategies to reduce accidents and improve traffic management.
- Trauma and Data Management: It called for strengthening post-accident care and trauma services and setting up a national road accident database with standardized data collection, analysis, and dissemination protocols.
- Dedicated Road Safety Fund: To ensure financial support, the Committee suggested earmarking 1% of cess on diesel and petrol towards a Road Safety Fund.
- Other Issues: The report also emphasized decriminalization of road accidents, strengthening insurance mechanisms, and forming a dedicated highway police force.
These recommendations led to the adoption of the National Road Safety Policy in 2010. |
India: Road Safety Initiatives
- National Road Safety Policy (2010): Provides a framework for improving road safety through awareness, enforcement, and technology.
- Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019: Introduces stricter penalties, vehicle fitness norms, and provisions for protection of Good Samaritans.
- Integrated Road Accident Database (iRAD): A centralised database for collecting and analysing road crash data for informed policy-making.
- Sachet Bharat Programme: Focuses on driver education and behavioural change to reduce road accidents.
- Sundar Committee Recommendations: Advocated for national and state-level boards, trauma care systems, and earmarked funds for road safety.
- Good Samaritan Guidelines: Legally protect bystanders who help accident victims from legal or procedural harassment.
- Highway Patrol & Emergency Services: Establishes highway patrol units and ambulance networks under NHAI and state governments.
Global: Road Safety Initiatives
- UN Decade of Action for Road Safety (2021–2030): Aims to reduce road traffic deaths and injuries by 50% through coordinated global efforts.
- Stockholm Declaration (2020): Recognizes road safety as essential to sustainable development and calls for Safe System approaches.
- Brasilia Declaration on Road Safety (2015): Encourages adoption of safer road infrastructure, vehicle standards, and enforcement mechanisms.
- WHO Global Status Report on Road Safety: Provides comprehensive global data and policy guidance on reducing road traffic injuries.
- Vision Zero (Sweden): A long-term strategy aiming for zero road fatalities through systemic infrastructure and behavioral reform.
Way Forward
- Immediate Constitution: Enforce SC order and operationalize the Board with competent experts.
- Institutional Strengthening: Provide the Board statutory backing, funding, and functional independence.
- Integrated Road Safety Policy: Synchronize central, state, and local efforts via digital and on-ground platforms.
- Awareness and use of Technology: Intensify public awareness and integrate AI, sensors, and ITS for real-time road management.
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