Introduction
Welcome to my blog, where we will set off on a significant journey to learn more about the crucial problem of Road Safety In India. The term “Road Safety” refers to the efforts and actions taken to reduce the possibility of traffic accidents and, more specifically, the risk of death and serious injury. Road Safety laws teach people on how to behave while operating a vehicle or crossing a street.
Table of Contents
Road Accident Statistics of World
- Road accidents causes almost 50 million injuries and disabilities worldwide.
- Around 1.35 million people died worldwide in road traffic incidents in 2016, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
- After India, the three nations with the highest car accidents are the United States, Japan and Germany, according to data from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
- In terms of traffic accidents, Norway is the safest country in the world.
Road Accident Statistics of India
- India only has 1% of the world’s vehicles, yet it accounts for 11% (the highest percentage in the world) of all deaths on the roads, according to the World Bank.
- In India, there are around 4.5 lakh traffic accidents each year.
- In India, over 1.5 lakh individuals die in traffic accidents each year.
- When it comes to death, people between the ages of 18 and 45 are most seriously affected. Out of the 4.5 lakh overall deaths in India each year, 81000 (67%) people are in the age range of 18 to 45.
- Every day, around 375 individuals pass away in traffic accidents.
- Between 3 pm and 9 pm, there are the most traffic accidents occur.
- In India, a fatal car accident happens once every minute.
- In India, a road accident claims 16 lives every hour.
- Every day, over 1200 road accidents occur in India.
- Every day in the nation, approximately 20 youngsters under the age of 14 pass away in traffic accidents.
- About 25% of deaths occurred in traffic incidents involving two wheels.
- The top three states in India in terms of the number of deaths on national highways are Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra.
Photo Courtesy:- Change.org – Amarujala – Quora – Times of India
Road Accidents in India: Primary Causes
- Excessive Speeding: In India, excessive speeding is a major cause of traffic-related deaths. The set speed limit simply does not attract people.
- Drunk Driving: Drinking too much alcohol while driving is another key contributor to road accidents in the nation.
- Aggressive Driving: In a country like India, rash driving is another factor in traffic accidents. The value of lane driving is not accepted by many.
- Read Light Jumping: The habit of red-right jumping is another significant factor in the increasing number of traffic accidents.
- Lack to wear a seat belt and a helmet: This dangerous habit is shared by many Indian drivers and almost always results in instant death. Most people just use seat belts and helmets to avoid receiving a fine from the traffic police, not for their own safety.
- Use of a mobile device while driving: In the modern age, this is still another factor. Driving when engaged by a mobile device results in accidents.
Other Reasons Behind Accidents
- Bad Road Condition
- Overloading
- Lack of Discipline
- Lack of Training
- Rain or Wet roads
- Tailgating
- Heavy Traffic
- Underage Driver
- Lack of Adequate Road Signs
- Poor Lighting
- Poor Quality Helmets
- Lack of Presence of Air Bags in most vehicles.
- Unsafe Vehicles
- Restless Driving
Photo Courtesy : ProProfs
Tips To Avoid Road Accidents
- Wear Seat Belt & Helmet: Wearing seat belts and high-quality helmets when driving is an excellent habit that can help you avoid many accidents and, more importantly, a lot of deaths.
- Avoid Alcohol While Driving: Every driver need to follow strictly to the rule “Don’t drink if you are driving, Don’t drive if you are drunk”
- Don’t go above the Speed Limit: You should always keep your car driving at the allowed speed. There may be a range of maximum speed limits for various types of roadways. Never forget the saying “Speed Thrills But Kills.”
- Avoid using your phone while driving: Avoid using your phone while driving. Pull over to the side of the road and answer the phone if you want to.
- Follow Traffic Rules: Traffic rules must be followed by every driver. Avoid red light jumping. . Always stay in your lane. Monitor the warning signs.
- Sensible Approach: Try to have a sensible driving approach. Driving safely depends greatly on having the right attitude while driving a vehicle and being informed of traffic laws and road signs.
- Don’t Promote Underage Driving: Children should only be permitted to drive after obtaining a legal driver’s license.
- Refuse Overloading: No matter if it is a car, a public transportation vehicle, a cargo vehicle, electric vehicle or a two-wheeler, never overload it. If someone breaks this guideline, the government should punish them severely.
- Strict Rules for License Issuing Process: The Govt. should make strict rules for process of granting licenses.
- The Key is Awareness: Traffic police should focus on educating the general public about the importance of following to traffic laws. The importance of following rules can be promoted to the public through awareness campaigns.
- Improvement of Road Conditions: Although the government is making every effort to improve road conditions. However, there is still plenty of work to be done. There is a lot of room for improvement in areas like road quality, appropriate road signage, and road lighting etc.
Conclusion
Road Safety awareness is crucial because it helps reduce the number of injuries and deaths on our roads. Best way to reduce road accidents is to teach our kids from their very young age, the importance of following traffic rules. Remember, road safety is not just a responsibility of the government or authorities. It is a collective effort that begins with each one of us. This is the only way to make our roads safer in future. “Safer Roads will make India a better place to Live.”
Source of Information : National Crime Records Bureau, Ministry of Road Transport & Highway, Law commission of India, Global status report on road safety 2013.