India faces a severe road safety crisis. In 2023, over 4.8 lakh road accidents caused more than 1.72 lakh deaths. That is 20 deaths every hour. Most victims were aged 18 to 45, the country’s active workforce. Despite having only 1% of the world’s vehicles, India accounts for nearly 11% of global road fatalities. The issue demands urgent attention as it affects families, livelihoods, and national productivity.
About the Scale of Road Accidents
India’s road accident data is fragmented and outdated. A unified data system is essential. Integrating police, hospital, transport, and local agency records can improve accuracy. Tools like Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing help identify accident hotspots. Data-driven public awareness campaigns, especially targeting youth, must be consistent and focused.
Governance Challenges and Reforms
Road safety management in India is scattered across multiple agencies. This leads to weak accountability. A National Road Safety Authority with legal powers could unify efforts. State and district agencies must also be involved. Technology such as AI-driven traffic surveillance can detect violations and enforce penalties automatically. Blockchain can secure vehicle registration and licensing. Sweden’s Vision Zero shows that strong governance with a no loss of life principle is effective.
Infrastructure and Risk Reduction Measures
Poor road design and vehicle safety contribute to accidents. Roads need better design with segregated traffic, safe pedestrian crossings, and intelligent traffic management systems. GIS data can guide safer infrastructure planning. Emergency response must improve to reduce deaths during the golden hour. AI-powered emergency call systems, automated accident detection, and drone site assessments can speed up medical aid. Investing in public transport and non-motorised options can reduce reliance on risky two-wheelers.
Preparedness and Community Involvement
Road safety education should start early in schools. Workplace safety programmes must focus on transport and logistics sectors. AI simulators can train drivers in realistic scenarios. Mobile apps offering real-time hazard alerts can help travellers. After accidents, Build Back Better principles should guide infrastructure improvements. Local community input is vital to identify and fix hazardous spots. Proactive, data-driven readiness is key.
Science and Technology in Road Safety
Road accidents are preventable disasters. Classifying them as disasters can increase focus and resources. The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction offers four priorities to guide India’s strategy. Technologies like GIS mapping, AI monitoring, drones, and predictive analytics can transform road safety. However, technology must align with governance reforms, legal frameworks, cultural change, and sustained investment. Japan’s AI traffic monitoring exemplifies innovation India can emulate.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically discuss the role of technology in enhancing disaster risk reduction with reference to road safety in India.
- Examine the challenges in governance and coordination among agencies in managing road safety. How can these be overcome?
- Analyse the impact of urban infrastructure and public transport development on reducing road accident fatalities in developing countries.
- Estimate the socio-economic consequences of road accidents on a nation’s workforce and productivity. Point out measures to mitigate these effects.
