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Sharmishtha Singh*
Road accidents cost the economy money due to premature deaths, injuries, disabilities, and lost potential income in addition to the victims and their families. In all, 3,66,138 traffic accidents were reported in 2020, resulting in 1,31,714 fatalities and 3,48,279 injuries. Sadly, the age group most severely impacted by traffic accidents is 18 to 45 years old, which accounts for around 70% of all accidental fatalities. South Africa is the most dangerous place in the world to drive, according to a survey done by the worldwide driving education company Zutobi, with India coming in at number four. This raises severe concerns about road safety in India and raises the question of whether or not the nation’s residents are safe on the roads. Because of Cyrus Mistry’s recent passing in a car accident—the former CEO of Tata Sons—this question is also surging in popularity. Following that, Nitin Gadkari declared that seat belts would be required for all car passengers, with offenders subject to fines. However, the forensic experts also stated that Cyrus Mistry’s death was not solely caused by driving too fast or not wearing a seatbelt. In India, poor road design is a major role in manufacturing accidents, and the forensic team believes that poor bridge construction was to blame for the death of Cyrus Mistry.
• For the understanding of the cause behind such a large numbers of road accidents we must understand 5E i.e.
• Economy
• Engineering
• Emergency care
• Education
• Enforcement
In India, driving is the most popular means of transportation. About 87% of the country’s passenger traffic and 60% of its freight are carried by road. The usage of highways for transportation must be reduced, however due to urbanization, this looks to be a challenge. Education includes more than just literacy; it also includes using common sense when driving. In India, however, rapid driving, driving while intoxicated or fatigued, driving without a seatbelt or a helmet The most common cause of accidents is people talking on the phone while driving, which is highly widespread. According to findings published in the Lancet, India might reduce road-related costs by 25 to 40% if it can figure out this preventive action. It also claims that, on average, 3,204 seatbelt interventions and 5,683 helmet interventions might have prevented the loss of 20,554 lives in India. Trauma care facilities should be enhanced to prevent 17% of traffic-related deaths in LMICS.
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There are many factors contributing to India’s high fatality rate, including poor road infrastructure and car safety. Poor road engineering, subpar DPRS (detailed project reports) of intersections, insufficient signage and markings, deplorable conditions of roads, problems with visibility, subpar materials, etc. More than 2,000 persons are killed in road accidents in India each year, according to statistics, and of those, almost 50% succumb to their injuries due to delayed medical attention during the “Golden Hour.” Particularly if an emergency surgery is necessary to preserve lives, the first few minutes or hours following a serious injury can be crucial and become a critical predictor of the patient’s health and the clinical outcome of any emergency procedure. This period, commonly referred to as the “Golden Hour,” could mean the difference between life and death in emergency situations.
What step should be taken?
To make the shift to a professional road environment, first-tier improvements must be implemented. These changes must take into account susceptible user facilities, top-notch road infrastructure, and zero-tolerance law enforcement using qualified, outfitted machines. The mandatory monthly public hearings of a District Road Safety Committee are where local communities can bring up safety-related issues, and the field specialists can subsequently keep an eye on the follow-up action. Better Data gathering:
The MoRTH accident data gathering format is required in order to identify the true cause of an accident and take corrective measures. The iRAD (Integrated Road Accident Database) Project, which intends to improve the accident database by obtaining data from numerous stakeholders via the iRAD mobile and online application, has a similar goal of promoting road safety throughout the country. These initiatives coming together could provide some synergy and streamline the data collection process. Improved Data Collection: The MoRTH accident data collecting format is required to identify the true cause of an accident and carry out corrective measures.
The iRAD (Integrated Road Accident Database) Project, which intends to improve the accident database by obtaining data from numerous stakeholders via the iRAD mobile and online application, has a similar goal of promoting road safety throughout the country. These initiatives coming together could provide some synergy and streamline the data collection process. It is essential to educate drivers and the general public on the principles and practices of road safety. With the active involvement of RWAs, neighborhood groups, and NGOs, weekends should be used to periodically hold awareness and education campaigns about road safety in residential neighborhoods.
(*Student, MA, Journalism and Mass Communication)
