This crisis pertains to road accidents in the country, where over 1.78 lakh die in accidents every year. Worse, 60% belong to the age group 18-34 years old-a very significant segment which would form the backbone of our workforce. The information presented by Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari in Lok Sabha reveals that this was really a significant challenge posed before the country for enhanced safety on roads.
These alarming figures are what the article explores-the cause of road accidents and how the government fights them.
Alarming Road Accident Statistics in India
The problem of road accidents in India is grave. The country sees 1.78 lakh road-related deaths every year. The age group most affected by such fatalities, 18-34 years, is also the most active and productive segment of society. Some 60% of all those killed in road accidents belong to this age group, which reveals a very serious problem among the youth drivers and riders.
He said that one of the reasons for these avoidable deaths was the disrespect for traffic rules, especially on the part of the younger generation of drivers. The most common violations that have been among the major contributors to the mounting accident toll are not wearing helmets while riding two-wheelers and jumping red signals.
Regional Breakdown: The Worst Hit Areas
Road accident deaths don’t occur evenly across Indian territories. Uttar Pradesh with over 23,000 deaths occurs in a year. They form 13.7 per cent of the total of such deaths in the country as a whole. Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra follow closely with more than 18,000 and 15,000 deaths, respectively. These states together account for a significant portion of India’s road-related deaths.
The number of deaths in urban cities is the highest in Delhi with more than 1,400 deaths every year. Bengaluru and Jaipur follow with a toll of approximately 915 and 850, respectively.
Key Causes of Road Accidents: The Role of Lane Discipline
One of the main causes for road accidents in India is lane indiscipline. Lane discipline, Nitin Gadkari has underlined is the first and foremost reason for the country. Though the speeding problem has often been emphasized, it’s not as great a concern, the minister feels, compared to the bad lane discipline. Many of them do not follow the primary regulations of lane discipline and subsequently cause accidents that would otherwise not have occurred if there had been more respect for road order.
Gadkari spoke about a personal experience while giving the lecture, wherein his car was fined twice in Mumbai due to not following lane discipline. That is an example of the issue as not limited to ordinary citizens but also famous personalities.
The Government’s Response: Measures to Improve Road Safety
To address the growing number of accidents, the government has taken several steps that are aimed at improving road safety. One major step is the installation of CCTV cameras on major roads and highways. These cameras are used to monitor and enforce traffic law violations, thus making the drivers more accountable.
Apart from this, the Minister has also demanded education and awareness drives to improve traffic discipline. According to him, there is a need to educate children as well as adults on the importance of observing traffic rules. Plans for programs on road safety awareness are underway, and Gadkari has appealed to the members of Lok Sabha to take such activities up in their constituencies.
Educating the Youth and Promoting Traffic Discipline
Education has a huge role to play in reducing the road accidents. Minister Gadkari said that the youth in particular need to be educated to follow traffic rules. Education in schools and colleges as well as at community level will help to develop responsible culture for driving and safety of roads.
Conclusion: A Call for Change in Road Safety Practices
India needs urgent attention on its road safety crisis, especially in view of the number of deaths being registered among young people. While the government has been taking measures, there is still much to be done. Lane indiscipline is a significant cause of accidents, and more education along with stricter enforcement of traffic laws is necessary to curb the rising death toll.
It is very evident that collective efforts from both the authorities and citizens will be needed to reverse these tragic trends. Road safety has to be given the utmost importance to have a safer future for everyone.
Refer :
Economic Times, Link to article
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