In 2023, India experienced over 4.80 lakh road accidents and 1.72 lakh fatalities, a 4.2% increase from 2022. Major causes include overspeeding, seat belts, overloaded vehicles, and drivers without valid licenses. The Motor Vehicle Amendment Act 2019 and the National Road Safety Board aim to prevent accidents and improve roadworthiness.
Copyright infringement not intended
Picture Courtesy: https://swarajyamag.com/news-brief/india-is-number-one-in-road-accident-deaths-globally-says-gadkari-highlights-need-for-a-behavioural-change
The Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways stated that over 4.80 lakh road accidents occurred in 2023.
In 2023, there were 4.80 lakh road accidents and 1.72 lakh fatalities, compared to 4.61 lakh accidents and 1.68 lakh fatalities in 2022, indicating a 4.2% rise in accidents and a 2.6% increase in deaths.
In 2023, India experienced 1,317 road crashes and 474 fatalities on average per day, or 55 crashes and 20 fatalities per hour.
Fatalities per 100 accidents fell slightly from 36.5 in 2022 to 36 in 2023.
Uttar Pradesh has the highest count of road accident deaths in India, with 23,650 deaths reported from 44,000 accidents in the state.
Overspeeding was the most common cause of road accidents and deaths, accounting for 68.1% of all fatalities.
Two-wheeler operators accounted for 44.8% of fatalities, and pedestrians accounted for about 20% of all road crash fatalities.
|
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is yet to release the 2023 report on road crashes in India. |
It requires automated vehicle fitness testing to minimize corruption in the transportation department and enhance car roadworthiness.
It enables the Union government to mandate the recall of motor vehicles if defects threaten the environment, the driver, or other road users. The car manufacturer must either refund the entire cost or replace the damaged vehicle with one of equal or higher standards.
The National Road Safety Board, established by the Union government, provides advice to both the central and state governments on road safety and traffic management. It includes motor vehicle rules, registration and licensing, road safety standards, and the advertising of new vehicles.
The Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways has identified and corrected black spots (accident-prone regions) on national highways. Guidelines for pedestrian facilities on national highways have been developed, and all transportation vehicles must have speed-limiting devices installed.
The National Road Safety Policy raises awareness, creates a road safety information database, promotes safer road infrastructure, enforces safety regulations, and implements intelligent transportation systems.
Vehicle safety standards have been increased, including mandates for seat belts and anti-lock brake systems, to improve road user safety.
Must Read Articles:
GOI’S REPORT ON ROAD ACCIDENTS
ROAD ACCIDENTS AND ROAD SAFETY IN INDIA
CHALLENGES TO ROAD SAFETY IN INDIA
GLOBAL STATUS REPORT ON ROAD SAFETY 2023
Source:
|
PRACTICE QUESTION Q.Critically analyse the significance of a sustainable transportation system to reduce road accidents and environmental impact. (150 words) |
© 2024 iasgyan. All right reserved
