Rising Road Accidents: Unpacking the Causes and Government’s Multi-Pronged Approach

New Delhi: The alarming rise in road accidents across India has sparked significant concern in Parliament, with recent data highlighting an increase in incidents despite ongoing road safety initiatives. In a detailed response to Rajya Sabha, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari shed light on the reasons for this surge and outlined the government’s efforts to curb the trend.

According to data from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, road accidents remain a critical public safety challenge. Key factors include over-speeding, mobile phone usage while driving, drunken driving, and lane indiscipline. Other contributors such as poor road and weather conditions, non-use of helmets or seat belts, and faulty vehicles compound the problem.

Rajasthan: A Case in Point

The state of Rajasthan exemplifies this concerning trend. In 2023, the state reported 24,705 road accidents, up from 23,614 in 2022, marking a 4.6% increase. This pattern mirrors a national issue, with road accident rates rising in many states.

The 4E Approach to Road Safety

The government has developed a comprehensive strategy to address the crisis, anchored on the 4Es: Education, Engineering, Enforcement, and Emergency Care. Here’s a closer look:

1. Education

• Road safety awareness campaigns, including the annual National Road Safety Week, aim to educate citizens on traffic rules and safe driving practices.
• Training initiatives, such as setting up Institutes of Driving Training & Research, target skill enhancement for drivers.

2. Engineering

Road Infrastructure:

• Mandatory Road Safety Audits for all National Highways.
• Rapid identification and rectification of accident-prone spots.

Vehicle Standards:

• Mandatory safety features such as airbags, seatbelt reminders, and anti-lock braking systems (ABS).
• The recently launched Vehicle Scrapping Policy aims to phase out unfit and polluting vehicles.

3. Enforcement

• The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 introduced stricter penalties for violations.
• Electronic monitoring systems are being deployed in high-risk zones to ensure compliance.

4. Emergency Care

• Enhanced protections for Good Samaritans who assist accident victims.
• Provisions for ambulances at toll plazas and cashless treatment pilot programs in selected regions.

Way Forward

While these measures are commendable, experts argue that achieving lasting change will require robust enforcement, better coordination among agencies, and sustained public engagement. Additionally, advancements in technology—such as AI-enabled traffic management systems—could further reduce accidents.

The government remains committed to tackling this pressing issue, but the cooperation of all stakeholders, including drivers, remains critical. With comprehensive efforts, the hope is to reverse the rising tide of road accidents and ensure safer journeys for all.