India aims to reduce road accident deaths 50 per cent by 2030

New Delhi, India (Urban Transport News): In a compelling address at the CII National Conclave on 'Road Safety - Indian Roads@2030 - Raising the Bar of Safety,' Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, underscored that road safety stands as the topmost priority for the Government. The minister revealed an ambitious target to reduce accident deaths by a significant 50% by the year 2030. This bold initiative aims not only to save lives but also to reshape the landscape of road safety in the country.

Embracing Change in Social Behavior

Gadkari emphasized the pivotal role of changing social behavior in achieving this ambitious goal. Focusing on the '4Es of Road Safety'—Engineering (Road & Vehicle Engineering), Enforcement, Education, and Emergency Medical Service—he highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach. Cooperation among all stakeholders is deemed essential for fortifying road safety measures effectively.

Alarming Statistics and Urgent Measures

According to the latest Report on Road Accidents 2022, the statistics paint a grim picture. The report reveals a staggering 4.6 lakh road accidents, resulting in 1.68 lakh deaths and 4 lakh serious injuries. Shockingly, every hour witnesses 53 road accidents and 19 deaths. Shri Gadkari expressed concern over a 12% increase in road accidents and a 10% rise in road accident deaths, contributing to a socio-economic loss of 3.14% to the GDP.

The Human Toll: A Call to Action

Highlighting the human toll of these accidents, the Union Minister pointed out that 60% of the deaths occur in the young age group of 18 to 35 years. He stressed that beyond being a loss to the bread-earner in a family, it translates into professional losses for employers and an overall setback to the economy. This human aspect adds urgency to the need for robust road safety measures.

Innovative Solutions and Positive Outcomes

Gadkari shared a success story from Nagpur, where a system of rewards for good traffic behavior among citizens yielded positive results. Encouragingly, the minister advocated for regular eye check-ups for drivers, urging organizations to organize free camps as part of their corporate social responsibility. He also emphasized the importance of education and awareness, suggesting collaboration with schools, colleges, NGOs, startups, technology providers, IITs, universities, and traffic and highway authorities as a collective way forward for spreading good practices in road safety.

A Collective Responsibility for a Safer Future

Nitin Gadkari's impassioned plea for a paradigm shift in road safety echoes the urgency of the situation. The target to reduce accident deaths by 50% by 2030 is not merely a governmental goal but a collective responsibility that requires the cooperation of every citizen and organization. The statistics demand immediate action, and the emphasis on education, awareness, and innovative solutions offers a ray of hope in the pursuit of safer Indian roads.