India is witnessing rapid expansion of highways and
expressways, but the same urgency is not reflected in ensuring road safety. All
road users share responsibility, yet a serious gap exists between road safety
legislation and the justice delivery system.
Many high-end vehicles have been involved in fatal
accidents—often driven by individuals under the influence of alcohol. Despite
clear legal frameworks, enforcement remains weak, and public awareness is
worryingly low.
The four essential 'Es' of road safety—Engineering,
Enforcement, Education, and Emergency Care—are failing to meet
expectations.
Every hour, 55 accidents occur, resulting in 20
deaths. Daily, this translates to 1,317 accidents and 474
fatalities. Shockingly, driver error accounts for 94% of road
accidents. The fear of law appears to be absent among a large section of
drivers.
The Sanctity of the Golden Hour
The first hour after an accident—referred to as the Golden
Hour—is crucial. Countless lives could be saved if victims are promptly
taken to nearby hospitals or trauma centres. Yet, when accidents occur, police
often prioritize formalities over immediate medical assistance. Awareness about
the Golden Hour remains low.
Alarming Statistics
India has the unfortunate distinction of recording the highest
number of road accident fatalities worldwide, despite having a relatively
lower share of the world’s vehicles. Approximately 14% of global
accident-related deaths occur in India.
Among cities, Delhi, despite having superior road
infrastructure, reports the highest number of fatalities (1,457 deaths
annually), followed by Bengaluru (915) and Jaipur (850).
Among states, Uttar Pradesh leads with 23,652
accidents, followed by Tamil Nadu (18,347), Maharashtra (15,366),
and Madhya Pradesh (13,798). Nagaland records the least number of
accidents.
Annual data reveals a steady increase:
- 2021:
4.12 lakh accidents, 1.53 lakh deaths
- 2022:
4.5 lakh accidents, over 1.5 lakh deaths
- 2023:
4.8 lakh accidents, 1.72 lakh deaths
The majority of victims come from lower- and middle-income
groups.
Primary Causes of Road Accidents
- Over-Speeding:
A key contributor, especially on highways.
- Distracted
Driving: Mobile phone usage while driving is rampant.
- Violation
of Traffic Rules: Includes overloading, speeding, and not wearing
safety gear.
- Fatigue:
Particularly among commercial vehicle drivers.
- Drunken
Driving: A major issue across vehicle types.
- Reckless
Driving: Often seen during night hours on highways.
- Poor
Road Conditions: Worsen during the monsoon season.
- Non-Usage
of Seat Belts and Helmets: Compliance is often to avoid fines rather
than for safety.
- Ignorance
of Road Signs: Reflects gaps in driver education.
- Red
Light Jumping: Especially common in metro cities.
- Jaywalking
and Unregulated Crossings: Pose severe risks in urban areas.
Systemic Loopholes and Enforcement Failures
Many accidents involve unlicensed or underage drivers.
Public transport gaps encourage private vehicle ownership, often fueled by
lenient bank loans. Regular fitness checks, driver training, and stricter
regulation are lacking.
Hit-and-run cases continue to highlight systemic
failures. Despite high-profile cases like those involving Sanjiv Nanda, Salman
Khan, Mihir Shah, and Jahnavi Gadkar, justice is often
delayed and penalties remain disproportionate.
Juvenile Driving – A Rising Concern
Accidents involving minors have become alarmingly frequent.
In 2024 alone, several minors were found driving vehicles resulting in
fatalities and serious injuries in Delhi and other cities. Lack of
parental supervision and lenient law enforcement are contributing factors.
Recommendations for Safer Roads
- Enforce
speed limits and traffic laws strictly
- Promote
helmet and seat belt use as a norm, not compulsion
- Ban
mobile phone use while driving
- Improve
road signage and lighting
- Regular
training for commercial drivers
- Strict
action against underage and drunk drivers
- Strengthen
emergency medical response
- Mandate
health checks for commercial drivers
- Educate
children and involve them in awareness campaigns
Duties of Pedestrians
Pedestrians must use footpaths, cross at designated points,
and avoid walking on highways.
Conclusion
India presents a grim picture when it comes to road safety.
Our roads are chaotic—shared by a mix of vehicles, pedestrians, and even
animals. Most fatal accidents involve high-speed vehicles, and victims are
predominantly the poor.
Rescue efforts are delayed, legal proceedings are prolonged,
and punishment is often inadequate. The Supreme Court-appointed Committee on
Road Safety and the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways have taken steps,
but the ground reality remains unchanged.
Let us commit to making our roads safer—for ourselves,
and for the generations to come.
