According to the World Health Organization (WHO) in its Global Status Report on Road Safety 2018, road traffic deaths are on the rise. A total of 1.35 million deaths were recorded globally in 2016, making road accidents the eighth leading cause of death for all age groups. This alarming figure overshadows fatalities from HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and diarrhoeal diseases.
Road Traffic Deaths Rates Across the Globe
The report points out that the highest road traffic deaths rates are in Africa, at 26.6 per 100,000 population, whereas Europe has the lowest at 9.3 per 100,000 population. Even though these deaths relative to the global population size have stabilized recently, this progress has been slowing due to an increasing population and rapid motorization in many parts of the world.
A Look into Road Accidents in India
India’s situation is particularly troubling with the trend of increasing deaths since 2007 despite implementing most of the required protective measures. With the implementation of seven or eight of the United Nations vehicle safety standards, the country has seen a reduction in traffic crashes in its cities. Enforcement and media campaigns have also helped curb drink driving. However, with over 150,000 reported deaths in 2016, there’s clearly a need for more multi-sectoral interventions, including improved infrastructure, better vehicles, enforcement of laws, and an effective health system for accident victims.
Vehicle Safety Standards in India
It’s notable that crash tests conducted by the Global New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP) in 2014 revealed that some of India’s top-selling car models failed the UN’s frontal impact crash test. Subsequent high-speed tests given by the Global NCAP resulted in zero-star ratings, indicating a high risk of fatal or serious injury.
India’s Response to Vehicle Safety Concerns
In response, the Indian government announced new regulations in 2015 that are consistent with UN standards for front and side impact, as well as pedestrian protection. These regulations require new car models to have airbags fitted as standard and to have a speed warning device above 80 km/h.
Table of Key Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Global road traffic deaths (2016) | 1.35 million |
| Highest road traffic death rates | Africa (26.6 per 100,000 population) |
| Lowest road traffic death rates | Europe (9.3 per 100,000 population) |
| Road traffic deaths in India (2016) | Over 150,000 |
| UN vehicle safety standards implemented in India | 7 or 8 out of 8 |
Recommendations for Safer Roads
The report outlines key recommendations for safer roads which include safety consideration during planning, design, and operation of roads, safe vehicles with features like electronic stability control and advanced braking, behavioral changes like increasing motorcycle helmet use, seat-belt uses, child restraint use, and an effective post-crash care system.
Additionally, it recognizes the role of bystanders in post-crash care, highlighting their importance in activating the emergency care system and taking simple, potentially life-saving actions until professional help is available.
The Brasilia Declaration on Road Safety
In the Second Global High-Level conference on Road Safety held in Brazil, countries signed the Brasilia Declaration to halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents by 2020. This aligns with the United Nations’ declaration of 2010-2020 as the decade of action for Road Safety.
International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP)
The International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP) is a charitable organization committed to saving lives through safer roads. The programme emphasizes the importance of policies that favor sustainable modes of transport such as walking, cycling, and public transport, improving laws and enforcement, making roads and vehicles safer, and enhancing emergency trauma care systems.
The Justice K.S. Radhakrishnan Committee on Road Safety
In India, the three-member K.S. Radhakrishnan panel on road safety was set up in April 2014. Its recommendations include banning alcohol sale on highways to combat drunk driving and implementing laws on wearing helmets. It also advised states to conduct audits to ensure safety standards in road design, construction, and maintenance. Penalties up to Rs. 1 lakh were suggested for contractors, consultants, and civic agencies found guilty of faulty design, construction or poor maintenance of roads leading to accidents.
Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2016
This bill proposes changes to smoothen the process of vehicle registration and licensing, make vehicles suitable for specially-abled people, provide compulsory insurance cover to all road users for certain types of accidents, and create a National Road Safety Board. It also provides protection for good samaritans who assist at accident scenes.