The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways directs and implements many schemes to improve road safety scenario in the country. The ministry has established National Road Safety Council to take policy decisions in road safety, as road safety is a broad and extensive multi sector issue which requires a defined approach at various levels.
The Ministry has introduced Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Bill in the Parliament covering entire scope of road safety including drunken driving. The Bill envisages to enhance the penalty amount for drunk and driving under Motor Vehicle Act. Besides, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways administer Motor Vehicles (MV) Act 1988 and Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR) 1989. However, its provisions are enforced by the States.
Accident Share by Type of Collisions 2017
In States/UTs the total number of Pedestrians killed under the category of road user during the last four years from 2014 to 2017 is shown in the table below:
Year
|
Total Number of Persons Killed in the Country
|
Pedestrian Killed under the Category of Road User in the Country
|
Pedestrian Killed per Day in the Country
|
2014
|
1,39,671
|
12330
|
34
|
2015
|
1,46,133
|
13894
|
38
|
2016
|
1,50,785
|
15746
|
43
|
2017
|
1,47,913
|
20457
|
56
|
30 years ago, the Indian car market began to show the first signs of its future potential, growing at a faster rate when compared to many developed economies. As per a McKinsey report, India is set to develop as the world’s third-largest passenger vehicle market in next three years.
Years
|
Total Number of Road Accidents in the Country
|
Road Accidents under the Category Potholes
|
Persons Killed under the Category Potholes
|
Total Number of Persons Injured in Road Accidents in the Country
|
Persons Injured under the Category Potholes
|
2015
|
5,01,423
|
10876
|
3416
|
5,00,279
|
10065
|
2016
|
4,80,652
|
6424
|
2324
|
4,94,624
|
6310
|
2017
|
4,64,910
|
9423
|
3597
|
4,70,975
|
8790
|
Summary of Accidents Trend on Highway in the Country (Y-O-Y) 2011-17
India Way Behind 2020 Target, Road Accidents Still Kills over a Lakh a Year
In 2015, India signed the Brasilia declaration and committed to reduce road fatalities and accidents by 50 percent in coming years, but in reality road crashes declined by 3.27% and fatalities declined by mere 1.9%.
Law Enforcement for Road Safety in India – Where do we stand?
a.) Speed Limit – Law enforcement level is 3 out of 10
b.) Drunk and Driving – Law enforcement level is 4 out of 10
c.) Motorcycle Helmet - Law enforcement level is 4 out of 10
d.) Seat Belt - Law enforcement level is 3 out of 10
Above statement shows, we have to struggle a lot to achieve 100 percent law enforcement level and to reduce road fatalities in the country. There are two part of law enforcement, law imposer and law followers so, our role is also important to contribute in reducing road fatalities in the country. In India speedy driving is one of the biggest reasons for road fatalities so its our duty to drive under specified speed limit and traffic department monitors such vehicle for rash driving and impose penalty.
Key Initiatives taken on road safety by Ministry
- High priority to focus and to Identification/Rectification of black spots in the country
- Planned road safety audit of selected National Highways
- Maximum limit of 4-laning of National Highways reduced from 15000 to 10000 Passenger Car Units (PCUs).
- The design and construction of road facilities will take account of needs of non-motorized transport and vulnerable users
Conclusion
More than 45% of the road fatalities in India are caused due to over vehicle speeding, so it’s on us to think sensibly and this can easily be avoided if people drive with care and follow speed limits and rules made.
While India needs stricter road safety laws, but at the same time the country needs more responsible drivers who drive more cautiously on the roads and follow the rules. With our contribution by following traffic rule and to understand importance of life, assurance of road safety could be increased in the country and the same has been focused by Mr. Nitin Gadkari in his speeches.