ON THE CHALLENGES TO ROAD SAFETY IN INDIA

THE CONTEXT: India’s road safety crisis is highlighted in the “India Status Report on Road Safety 2024,” revealing slow progress in reducing fatalities and significant disparities across states. The report underscores the urgent need for comprehensive, data-driven strategies to address the complex challenges of road safety in the country.

STATUS REPORT:

• National Overview: Road traffic injuries are the 13th leading cause of death in India (2021). Road traffic injuries are the 12th leading cause of health loss, measured in Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs).
• State-Level Data: In six states (Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh), road traffic injuries rank among the top 10 causes of health loss
• Death Rates by State (per 100,000 people):

• Six states account for nearly half of all traffic fatalities in India: Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu
• Most common victims: Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorized two-wheeler riders.
• Vehicles most involved in fatal crashes: Trucks.
• Safety Measures Implementation: Only 7 states have more than 50% of motorized two-wheeler riders wearing helmets. Only 8 states have audited more than half of their National Highway lengths. Few states have audited their State Highways.
• Global Comparison:
  • In 1990: An Indian was 40% more likely to die in a road accident than someone in Scandinavian countries
  • In 2021: An Indian was 600% more likely to die in a road accident than someone in Scandinavian countries

THE ISSUES:

• Slow Progress in Reducing Fatalities: India is making slow progress towards meeting international goals to reduce road accident fatalities, including the UN target to halve traffic deaths by 2030.
• State Disparities: There are significant disparities in road traffic death rates across different states, with some states having much higher rates than others.
• Vulnerability of Specific Road Users: Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to road accidents, with motorcyclists being at high risk across the country.
• High Involvement of Trucks in Fatal Crashes: Trucks are frequently involved in fatal road accidents, contributing significantly to the number of fatalities.
• Inadequate Data Systems: The absence of a national crash-level database and reliance on aggregated police records limit the ability to conduct effective analyses and interventions.
• Poor Implementation of Safety Measures: Many states lack basic traffic safety measures, such as traffic calming, markings, and signage. Helmet usage among motorcyclists is also low.
• Inadequate Trauma Care Facilities: There is a lack of sufficient trauma care facilities to effectively address road accident injuries.

THE WAY FORWARD:

• Establish a National Crash Surveillance System: Create a centralized, digital database for recording and analyzing road crash data, as recommended by the “India Status Report on Road Safety 2024“. Implement standardized crash reporting protocols across all states to ensure data consistency and accuracy. Integrate data from multiple sources, including police reports, hospitals, and insurance companies. Make this data publicly accessible to enable researchers and policymakers to conduct in-depth analyses.
• Improve Road Infrastructure and Safety Measures: Conduct safety audits of all National and State Highways, as only eight states have audited more than half of their National Highway lengths. Implement traffic calming measures, proper signage, and road markings, especially in rural areas. Design roads with a focus on the safety of vulnerable road users (pedestrians, cyclists, and two-wheeler riders). The Sundar Committee Report on Road Safety and Traffic Management suggests setting minimum standards for road design, construction, and operation at both national and state levels.
• Enhance Vehicle Safety Standards: Mandate and enforce the use of helmets for all two-wheeler riders. Currently, only seven states have more than 50% helmet usage. Promote the adoption of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) in vehicles. Implement stricter vehicle safety norms, including mandatory ABS for all vehicles.
• Strengthen Trauma Care and Emergency Response: Establish a network of trauma centers along major highways, as recommended by the National Road Safety Policy. Implement a centralized emergency response system with a single nationwide emergency number. Train and equip first responders, including police and local community members.
• Enhance Driver Education and Licensing: Implement a graduated licensing system for new drivers. Mandate periodic refresher courses for all licensed drivers. Strengthen the driver testing and licensing process to reduce corruption and ensure only qualified individuals receive licenses. The National Road Safety Policy emphasizes the need to strengthen the system of driver licensing and training.
• Implement Technology-Driven Enforcement: Deploy AI-driven traffic control systems and smart cameras for detecting violations. Implement a points-based penalty system for traffic violations. Use data analytics to identify accident-prone areas and target enforcement efforts. Cities like Bengaluru have implemented Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) to improve traffic management and reduce accidents.

THE CONCLUSION:

Addressing India’s road safety challenges requires a multifaceted approach, combining improved data systems, infrastructure upgrades, and targeted interventions. By implementing these comprehensive solutions, India can make significant strides towards reducing road fatalities and meeting international safety goals, ultimately saving countless lives.

UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTION:

Q. National urban transport policy emphasizes moving people instead of moving vehicles. Discuss critically the success of various strategies of the government in this regard. 2014

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:

Q. Discuss the critical issues related to road safety in India. Suggest measures that could be implemented to enhance road safety across the country.

SOURCE:

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/road-safety-in-india-challenges/article68623486.ece#:~:text=Basic%20traffic%20safety%20measures%2C%20including,challenges%20faced%20by%20different%20States.