ROAD SAFETY IN INDIA
- A total number of 4,61,312 road accidents have been reported by States and Union Territories (UTs) during the calendar year 2022, claiming 1,68,491 lives and causing injuries to 4,43,366 persons. The number of road accidents in 2022 increased by 11.9 percent compared to previous year 2021.
- Similarly, the number of deaths and injuries on account of road accidents were also increased by 9.4 percent and 15.3 percent respectively (Table 1.1). These figures translate, on an average, into 1,264 accidents and 462 deaths every day or 53 accidents and 19 deaths every hour in the country
The Indian government has taken several initiatives related to road safety in an effort to reduce road accidents and improve the safety of road users. Some of the key initiatives and programs include:
National Road Safety Policy: The Indian government introduced a National Road Safety Policy with the aim of reducing road accidents and their consequences. The policy outlines various strategies to improve road safety.
Road Safety Awareness Campaigns: The government, in collaboration with various organizations, conducts road safety awareness campaigns to educate the public about safe driving practices, the importance of wearing helmets and seat belts, and the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
National Road Safety Council (NRSC): The NRSC is responsible for coordinating road safety activities in India. It focuses on promoting road safety education, awareness, and enforcement.
Road Safety Education: The government has incorporated road safety education into the school curriculum to instill safe road behaviors from a young age.
Traffic Police Initiatives: Various state and city traffic police departments have initiated campaigns to enforce traffic rules and regulations, such as penalizing those not wearing helmets or seat belts and cracking down on drunk driving.
Strict Implementation of Motor Vehicles Act: In 2019, India amended the Motor Vehicles Act to increase fines for traffic violations significantly. The stricter enforcement of the act aims to deter people from breaking traffic rules.
Safety Measures for Two-Wheelers: The government has pushed for the adoption of safety measures for two-wheeler riders, such as mandatory helmet use and encouraging the use of helmets meeting safety standards.
At the international level, several initiatives and organizations are dedicated to promoting road safety and reducing traffic-related injuries and fatalities. Some of the key initiatives and organizations related to road safety at the international level include:
United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety: The United Nations launched the Decade of Action for Road Safety (2011-2020) to raise awareness and take measures to reduce road traffic injuries and fatalities. The initiative involved various countries working together to improve road safety.
Global Road Safety Partnership (GRSP): GRSP is a nonprofit organization that partners with governments, businesses, and civil society to promote road safety initiatives globally. It supports a wide range of road safety programs and advocacy efforts.
World Health Organization (WHO): The WHO is actively involved in promoting road safety through its "Save Lives" campaign. It provides data, research, and technical guidance to countries to develop and implement effective road safety policies and programs.
UN Road Safety Collaboration (UNRSC): UNRSC is a global platform that brings together governments, NGOs, and the private sector to collaborate on road safety initiatives and share best practices.
Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety: This plan, endorsed by the United Nations, provides a framework for countries to develop and implement road safety strategies and measures to reduce traffic-related fatalities and injuries.
Safer Vehicles: International organizations like the Global New Car Assessment Programme (Global NCAP) work to improve vehicle safety standards globally. They conduct crash tests and promote the adoption of safer vehicle designs.
Road Safety Conventions: International agreements and conventions, such as the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic and the 1958 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic, set common standards and rules for road safety that participating countries agree to adhere to.
Global Alliance of NGOs for Road Safety: This alliance comprises various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working collaboratively to advocate for road safety and influence policy at the global level.
International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP): iRAP conducts road safety assessments to identify and prioritize infrastructure improvements that can enhance road safety worldwide.
The "Brasilia Declaration on Road Safety" is a significant international commitment and declaration made at the Second Global High-Level Conference on Road Safety, held in Brasilia, Brazil, from November 18 to 19, 2015. The conference was organized by the Government of Brazil, the World Health Organization (WHO), and various international partners. The Brasilia Declaration builds on the first Global High-Level Conference on Road Safety, held in Moscow in 2009.
The Brasilia Declaration on Road Safety is a commitment by participating countries to address the global road safety crisis and work together to reduce the high number of road traffic-related deaths and injuries
6. Way forward
These international initiatives and organizations work collaboratively to raise awareness, share knowledge, and develop strategies and policies that can improve road safety on a global scale. Road safety is recognized as a significant public health issue worldwide, and these efforts aim to save lives and reduce the social and economic impact of road traffic injuries
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For Prelims: Economic and Social Development-Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc For Mains: General Studies III: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc |
Source: indianexpress
