Road to safety

Road Safety in India

• India has one of the world’s largest road networks, but also one of the highest road traffic fatalities globally.

• In 2022, India recorded 1.68 lakh road accident fatalities, a figure equivalent to 12.2 deaths per 1 lakh population.

• Road crashes cost India an estimated 3% of its GDP annually, affecting national development.

Right to Life and Road Safety

• Road safety is a fundamental constitutional principle, with every citizen having the right to safe road travel.

• The Safe System Approach, which prioritizes human vulnerability and error, is at the heart of future-ready urban mobility.

• The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has launched initiatives to address the road safety crisis, including rectification of over 5,000 black spots, mandatory road safety audits, and stricter safety norms.

• Electronic enforcement mechanisms and driving training centres have been rolled out to improve compliance.

Road Safety Strategy

• The four Es of road safety — engineering, enforcement, education, and emergency care — remain the cornerstone of an integrated road safety strategy.

• The World Bank Report 2020 outlines a strategic framework for enhancing road safety in India, estimating an additional $109 billion over the next decade to achieve a 50% reduction in road crash fatalities.

• Investments in road safety deliver high returns, saving lives, reducing injuries, and improving mobility efficiency.

• India’s roads must prioritize inclusivity and safety over speed, reflecting civic values and prioritizing inclusivity and safety over speed.