CONTEXT – Road accidents are on the rise in India. Though deaths from road accidents globally are down by 5%, the numbers are up in India. It is necessary to understand what makes this problematic for India, that already has high numbers

UNDERSTANDING THE DATA

Based on analysis of National Crimes Record Bureau (NCRB) report

• Major Causes of Accidental Deaths
  • Road, railway, and railway crossing accidents are the primary causes of accidental deaths in India.
  • Road accidents alone account for 97.3% of the total accidents.
• Statistics on Road Accidents
  • In 2022, 68,236 road accidents were reported in 53 cities of India.
  • These accidents resulted in the loss of 17,680 lives.
• Location Analysis of Accidents
  • Most accidents occur near residential areas (29.1%), industrial areas (10%), and schools.
  • Delhi reports 50% of the accidents in these areas.
• High-Risk Groups
  • Pedestrians, two-wheelers, and cyclists face a higher risk of accidents.
  • Close to 40% of road accident deaths in metros are pedestrians.
• Vulnerable Road Users
  • Globally, vulnerable road users account for around 53% of all road traffic fatalities.
  • This category includes pedestrians (23%), two-wheelers or three-wheelers riders (21%), cyclists (6%), and micro-mobility users like e-scooters.
• Global Road Safety Statistics
  • According to the Global Status Report on Road Safety by the World Health Organization in 2023:
    • Nine out of ten road traffic deaths occur in low and middle-income countries.
    • Fatality rates in these countries are disproportionately higher when compared to the number of vehicles and road infrastructure they have

A ANAYSIS OF THE REASONS

• Infrastructure Deficiency:
  • Around 80% of the world’s roads do not meet pedestrian safety standards, and only a minuscule 0.2% have dedicated cycle lanes and paths.
  • This lack of infrastructure leaves pedestrians and cyclists vulnerable to accidents.
• Growth in Motor Vehicles:
  • The global trend shows a significant growth in motor vehicles, which is expected to double by 2030.
  • More vehicles on the roads increase the risk for all road users, especially pedestrians and cyclists.
• Mode of Transport and Road Safety:
  • The type of transport used is a crucial factor in road safety, affecting not only occupants but also other road users.
  • In Indian cities, a diverse range of vehicles share the roads, including buses, cars, cycles, auto-rickshaws, etc.
  • Heavy motor vehicles and cars pose a higher risk compared to smaller vehicles like auto-rickshaws or two-wheelers.
• Social and Economic Factors:
  • Vulnerability to traffic accidents and limited access to roads are often linked to social and economic factors such as class and caste differentials.
  • The poorest segments of society are at the highest risk and have limited access to safe road infrastructure.

WHAT CAN BE DONE?

• Empowering Working Classes in Urban Planning:
  • If the working classes had more influence, they would prioritize sustainable and inclusive urban designs, focusing on walking paths, cycle tracks, public transport, and better accessibility to essential services.
• Addressing Social and Economic Factors:
  • Social and economic issues must be considered in urban planning, along with technological environments and the power dynamics that influence decision-making.
  • The current focus on car-centric planning imported from highly motorized countries needs reevaluation.
• Road Safety as Public Health:
  • Road accidents should be treated as a public health concern, considering the layered vulnerabilities and marginalization that different groups face.
  • Strategies should prioritize the safety of the most vulnerable road users in road design and vehicle safety.
• Government Initiatives and Multi-faceted Solutions:
  • Initiatives like cashless treatment for road accident victims are positive steps, but more comprehensive measures are needed to address the root causes of road accidents.
  • Solutions could include cycle lanes, bus rapid transport systems, elevated paths, accessible pedestrian paths, and provisions for vendors and pavement dwellers.
• Women’s Safety and Inclusivity:
  • Women’s safety is a crucial aspect of road safety, requiring adequate lighting, response systems, bystander support, and inclusive urban designs.
• Strategic Mobility Solutions:
  • There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for road safety; strategic planning is needed to cater to the needs of the most vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and two-wheelers.