Question : Accident Cases on National Highways

(a) the number of accident cases on National Highways that came to the notice in the country during the last three years, year-wise;
(b) whether the road accidents are increasing day by day on express highways in the country;
(c) if so, the details thereof along with the reasons therefor, State-wise;
(d) whether all the National Highways fulfil their safety standards as prescribed by the National Highways Authority of India; and
(e) if not, the details thereof and the action taken in this regard?

THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

(SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)
(a) to (c) As per available information, total number of road accidents on National Highways and Express Highways in the country during the calendar years 2016 to 2018 are as under:-
Years Total Road Accidents on National Highways Total Road Accidents on Express Highways
2016 1,42,359 1976
2017 1,41,466 2166
2018 1,40,843 5890


Road Accidents are multi-causal Over speeding, Drunken driving/consumption of alcohol, Driving on wrong side/lane indiscipline, Fault of the driver of motor vehicle, use of mobile phones, Mechanical defect/fault of the vehicle and lack of knowledge on road signage are the various factors, which can broadly be categorized into human error, road condition/environment and vehicular condition, that lead to accidents on roads.
(d) & (e) National Highways are designed and constructed as per Indian Road Congress (IRC) specifications and Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) guidelines depending on the availability of ROW and site conditions. These codes and guidelines include provisions for Traffic signals, signs for pedestrians and motorists, Road Markings etc.

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