Road safety is a critical issue in India, given the
consistently high incidence of road accidents and fatalities. Two-wheelers are
involved in nearly 44% of road crashes, while pedestrians make up around 17%,
highlighting the urgent need for effective solutions. Recognizing this issue,
the government is developing a comprehensive plan to address road safety challenges.
Government's New Road
Safety Initiative
The Road Transport Ministry is spearheading a new initiative
with a focus on enhancing road safety for vulnerable road users (VRUs) like
two-wheeler riders and pedestrians. This initiative entails the construction of
specialized lanes for two-wheelers on state highways and urban roads, as well
as the establishment of pedestrian foot over bridges (FOBs) and underpasses along
major urban arterial routes.
Significance of Traffic
Segregation in Road Safety
A pivotal aspect of this new plan involves the creation of
dedicated two-wheeler lanes to address the issue of traffic non-segregation,
which is a leading cause of road accidents in India. By segregating
two-wheelers from larger vehicles, the risk of collisions can be significantly
mitigated, thereby ensuring a safer road environment for all users.
Lessons from
International Best Practices
Countries like Malaysia, facing similar challenges with a high volume of two-wheelers, have successfully implemented dedicated corridors for these vehicles along highways, resulting in a noteworthy decrease in accidents. India aims to emulate this success by adopting similar infrastructure improvements.
Emphasis on
Pedestrian Safety with FOBs and Underpasses
Another crucial element of the government's strategy is to improve pedestrian safety, particularly in bustling urban areas where pedestrians are exceptionally vulnerable. FOBs and underpasses offer safe crossing points, reducing the likelihood of accidents and promoting smooth traffic flow.
Current Road Accident
Statistics and Root Causes
The data indicates that two-wheelers are involved in nearly
44% of road crashes due to the lack of dedicated infrastructure and mixed
traffic conditions, while pedestrians account for 17% of road crashes and 19%
of fatalities. Non-segregation of traffic and inadequate infrastructure for
VRUs are identified as primary factors contributing to the high number of
accidents.
Initiative for Road Safety Enhancement - Consultation Paper 'SAFE'
The Road Transport Ministry has circulated a consultation
paper titled 'SAFE,' aimed at formulating strategies to reduce road crashes and
fatalities, with a particular focus on VRUs, who constitute over half of the
road fatalities in India. The paper stresses the importance of improving
infrastructure and enforcing stricter safety measures to protect VRUs.
Lessons from Malaysia
and Road Safety in School Curriculum
Drawing inspiration from Malaysia's success with dedicated
corridors, India can adopt similar strategies tailored to its unique needs.
Furthermore, integrating road safety education into the school curriculum can
instill responsible behavior among children from a young age, paving the way
for long-term positive change.
Expected Outcomes,
Financial Allocations, and Implementation Strategy
The plan aims to achieve a 70% reduction in accidents and
fatalities per 10,000 vehicles and a 50% reduction per 10,000 km of road
length. With a budget of Rs 14,000 crore allocated from central and state
resources, a structured implementation strategy involving mandatory
interventions and target-linked incentives is in place to ensure effective
execution of the road safety plan.
Role of States and
UTs, Accountability, and Measurement of Success
States and UTs play a pivotal role in implementing the plan,
prioritizing critical issues, and promoting best practices at the grassroots
level. Accountability and responsibility are emphasized, with states and UTs
encouraged to adopt and propagate best practices in road safety. Success will
be measured through annual targets, key outputs, and a state ranking system
based on reducing road accidents, driving a culture of excellence and continual
improvement.
In Conclusion
The government's initiative to establish dedicated
two-wheeler lanes and pedestrian FOBs/underpasses marks a significant stride
toward enhancing road safety in India. By targeting vulnerable road users and
deploying specific interventions, the plan aims to reduce accidents and
fatalities. With a well-defined implementation strategy and active engagement
from states and UTs, the trajectory of road safety in India appears
promising.
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