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Context: The Global Status Report on Road Safety by the World Health Organization (WHO) provides a comprehensive assessment of road traffic deaths worldwide and the progress made in reducing them.

Key Highlights of the Report

• Global Reduction in Deaths: There's been a 5% decrease in global road traffic deaths per year, totalling over 1.19 million annually. Although it's a positive trend, the numbers remain alarmingly high.
• Youth and Children at Risk: Road accidents are the primary cause of death for individuals aged 5 to 29 years.
• India's Scenario: India has experienced an increase in road crash deaths from 2018 to 2021, with 1,53,792 deaths in 2021 compared to 1,50,785 in 2018.
• Progress and Challenges: While some countries have seen a reduction in road traffic deaths, disparities exist. Low and middle-income countries, despite having a minimal share of the world's vehicles, account for 90% of road traffic deaths.
• Vulnerable Road Users: Over half (53%) of road traffic fatalities are vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, motorcyclists, cyclists, and users of micro-mobility devices.
• Infrastructure and Safety Standards: There are concerns about inadequate road infrastructure, lack of pedestrian safety measures, and gaps in laws related to risk factors such as speeding, drunk driving, and vehicle safety features.
• Legislative Gaps and Recommendations: Only a small number of countries meet WHO's best practices for road safety laws. The impending doubling of the global motor vehicle fleet by 2030 emphasizes the urgent need for improved legislation and infrastructure to prevent road traffic deaths.

Road Safety in India

• India faces a complex road safety landscape due to its rapid economic growth and the resultant surge in vehicle ownership. This growth brings convenience and progress, yet it also intensifies challenges in ensuring safety on the roads.

Challenges

High accident rates

• Despite having only 1% of the world's vehicles, India contributes to 11% of global road traffic deaths, resulting in approximately 1.5 lakh lives lost annually.
• The disproportionate number of fatalities in relation to the number of vehicles suggests a pressing issue with road safety in India.

Vulnerable road users

• Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists are at a higher risk due to inadequate infrastructure and insufficient awareness.
• Incomplete or poorly designed roads may not account for the safety of those not in motorized vehicles, leading to a higher incidence of accidents involving vulnerable road users.

Speeding and reckless driving

• Disregarding traffic rules and exceeding speed limits is a major contributor to accidents.
• Behavioural issues, such as reckless driving, significantly contribute to the overall road safety problem.

Inadequate infrastructure

• Poor road conditions, lack of proper lane markings, and inadequate signage contribute to safety risks.
• Infrastructure plays a crucial role in ensuring safe road usage, and deficiencies in these aspects can lead to accidents.

Drunken driving

• Despite legal prohibitions, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious concern.
• Despite regulations, the prevalence of driving under the influence poses a considerable threat to road safety.

Weak enforcement

• Insufficient traffic monitoring and lax enforcement of road safety laws hamper progress.
• Even with regulations in place, a lack of effective enforcement diminishes the impact of these laws, allowing for a more lenient approach to road safety.

Steps to address these challenges

Stricter laws and enforcement

• The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act 2019 imposed harsher penalties for traffic violations, aiming to deter dangerous driving.
• Strengthening legal consequences for violations can act as a deterrent and promote safer driving practices.

Focus on vulnerable road users

• Initiatives like building dedicated cycling lanes and pedestrian walkways prioritize their safety.
• Targeted infrastructure improvements can protect those at higher risk, creating a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists.

Road safety awareness campaigns

• Promoting responsible driving habits and educating the public about traffic rules is crucial.
• Informing the public about safe driving practices and rules can contribute to a culture of responsible behaviour on the roads.

Investing in infrastructure

• Upgrading roads, installing proper signage and lighting, and implementing intelligent traffic management systems can significantly improve safety.
• Infrastructure enhancements can directly address some of the challenges posed by inadequate roads and signage.

Technological advancements

• Utilizing technology like driver assistance systems and advanced traffic monitoring can enhance safety measures.
• Implementing technology in road safety measures can provide real-time monitoring and assistance, contributing to safer road conditions.

Way Forward

• Improving road safety requires a multi-pronged approach involving the government, civil society, and individual citizens. Continued efforts towards stricter enforcement, better infrastructure, public awareness campaigns, and technological advancements are key to creating safer roads for everyone.
• A comprehensive strategy, encompassing legal measures, infrastructure improvements, awareness campaigns, and technological solutions, is necessary to address the complexity of road safety challenges in India. Active participation from all stakeholders is crucial for sustained progress in making roads safer.

Conclusion

• The report underscores the urgent need for global action to prioritize road safety, particularly for vulnerable road users, and to address gaps in legislation, infrastructure, and safety standards. It highlights the necessity for concerted efforts by governments worldwide to reduce road traffic deaths and make roads safer for everyone.

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Road Accidents and Road Safety In India: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/road-accidents-and-road-safety-in-india

Road Accidents in India:  https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/road-accidents-india 

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. How can India enhance road safety measures to effectively reduce traffic accidents and fatalities, considering factors such as infrastructure, enforcement, public awareness, and technological interventions?