India loses 3% of GDP annually due to road accidents, with 4,80,000 crashes and 1,88,000 deaths yearly. Poor DPRs are a key cause. The government offers ₹25,000 for helpers and covers medical costs. Solutions include stricter traffic laws, AI-based safety, quality DPRs, awareness campaigns, and global collaborations.
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India is losing its GDP due to road accidents.
The Minister for Road, Transport and Highways highlighted that India is losing 3% of its GDP annually due to road accidents.
He stated that India witnesses around 4,80,000 road accidents annually, resulting in 1,88,000 deaths.
He said that over 10,000 children below 18 years lose their lives in road accidents every year.
The Minister identified poorly prepared Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) as one of the primary causes of road accidents.
He accused DPR consultants for being the main culprits, accusing them for cutting costs, adopting a non-serious approach, and prioritizing financial savings over safety.
The government introduced incentives to encourage people to assist accident victims. They decided to award ₹25,000 to any third person who helps an accident victim.
The government ensures that hospitals provide treatment to accident victims, covering up to ₹1,50,000 or seven years of medical expenses , whichever is higher.
Governments should ensure high-quality Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for road construction for every step.
Authorities must enforce more stringent penalties for traffic violations.
Advanced technologies, like AI and IoT, need to be integrated into road safety systems.
Public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about safe driving practices.
International collaborations, such as the U.S.-India partnership, must focus on sharing expertise and resources to tackle this crisis effectively.
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q. How does urbanization exacerbate road accidents? Critically examine the role of inadequate infrastructure planning in metropolitan cities. 150 words |
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