MoRTH Implements Multi-Pronged Strategy To Prevent Road Accidents

In a bid to curb the alarming rise of road accidents on National Highways (NHs) and State Highways (SHs) in the country, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has been steadfastly implementing a multi-pronged strategy based on Education, Engineering, Enforcement, and Emergency Care. The ministry has taken a data-driven approach, analysing accident statistics from 2017 to 2021 to identify areas for improvement and develop targeted interventions.

According to data received from the Police Department of all States and Union Territories, the number of road accidents in NHs and SHs has fluctuated over the past five years. In 2017, a total of 141,466 accidents occurred on NHs, while SHs witnessed 116,158 accidents. However, these numbers gradually decreased in subsequent years, with 2020 reporting 116,496 NH accidents and 90,755 SH accidents. Unfortunately, the trend took a turn in 2021, with 128,825 accidents on NHs and 96,382 accidents on SHs.

Education has been a cornerstone of the Ministry's approach to road safety. Various publicity measures and awareness campaigns have been undertaken through social media, electronic media, and print media to create effective public awareness about road safety. The observance of National Road Safety Month/Week each year aims to spread awareness and strengthen the importance of road safety among citizens.

In addition to education, engineering plays a vital role in preventing accidents. Road safety has been integrated into road design at the planning stage, with mandatory Road Safety Audits (RSAs) of all NHs at every stage, from design to operation and maintenance. Black spots and accident-prone areas on NHs are promptly identified and rectified to enhance safety for road users.

The Ministry has also focused on vehicle engineering to enhance safety features. Mandatory provisions for airbags for front-seat passengers and safety measures for children below four years of age riding or being carried on a motor vehicle have been prescribed. Additionally, safety technologies like Seat Belt Reminders, Over Speed Warning Systems, and Reverse Parking Alert Systems are now mandatory in vehicles.

Enforcement remains a critical aspect of ensuring compliance with road safety regulations. The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, has introduced strict penalties to deter traffic rule violations. The use of technology for electronic monitoring and enforcement, including speed cameras and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems, has been incorporated to strengthen enforcement efforts.

Emergency care for accident victims has also been addressed. The Ministry has provided protection to Good Samaritans who voluntarily render emergency medical or non-medical care at the scene of an accident. Compensation for victims of hit-and-run accidents has been enhanced to provide better support during critical times.

Underscoring its commitment to road safety, the Ministry has allocated significant funds to various road transport and road safety schemes. These include road safety publicity measures, national database networks, inspection and maintenance centres, and initiatives to improve and strengthen public transport systems.