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.