(a) whether there has been a rapid increase in road fatalities over the past three decades in India;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether high mortality and morbidity associated with road traffic injuries are a major public health challenge;
(d) if so, the reaction of the Union Government thereto; and
(e) the action taken by the Union Government to mitigate the mortality and morbidity associated with road traffic injuries?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGHWAYS(SHRI MAHADEO SINGH KHANDELA)
(a) & (b) The number of road accidents and persons killed in road accidents in India has been increasing marginally over the years. As per the data available for the year 2008 (the latest available data) there were 484704 road accidents resulting in 119860 fatalities in India. A statement showing total number of Road Accidents and persons killed during the previous two decades i.e. 1970, 1980 and for the year 1999 onwards and upto the year 2008 (the latest available data) are at Annexure.
(c) to (e) According to “ World Report on Road Traffic Injury Prevention†of World Health Organisation published in the year 2004, Road Traffic injuries are a global health problem. The gravity of the health problems can be assessed through observing various parameters. The morbidity and mortality rate associated with road traffic injuries are considered to be critical parameters in assessing the road safety situation in a country. The Government is aware of the current road safety situation in the country and has been taking a number of steps to reverse the trend. The Government has already taken steps to create a dedicated body on Road Safety and Traffic Management, which would oversee the entire road safety activities in the country including capacity building in the field of research, training on road safety and preparation of action plan for better administration of road safety etc. As an interim measure, the Government has constituted an Expert Committee under the Chairmanship of the Secretary of this Ministry to oversee road safety and traffic management issues in a comprehensive manner. The Committee has recently recommended a Road Safety Action Plan to the Government. In addition, the following steps have also been taken by the Government to improve road safety scenario in the country:
(i) Road safety is an integral part of road design at the planning stage for National Highways/Expressways.
(ii) Various steps to enhance road safety such as road furniture, road markings/road signs, introduction of Highway Traffic Management System using Intelligent Transport System, and enhancement of discipline among contractors during construction, road safety audit on selected stretches, have been undertaken by National Highways Authority of India.
(iii) Refresher training to Heavy Motor Vehicle drivers in the unorganized sector being implemented by the Ministry since 1997-98 under plan activities.
(iv) Setting up of Driving Training Schools in the country.
(v) Publicity campaign on road safety awareness both through the audio-visual and print media.
(vi) Institution of National Award for voluntary organizations/individual for outstanding work in the field of road safety.
(vii) Tightening of safety standards of vehicles.
(viii) Providing cranes and ambulances to various State Governments/NGOs under National Highway Accident Relief Service Scheme. National Highways Authority of India also provides ambulances at a distance of 50 Km. on each of its completed stretches of National Highways under its Operation & Maintenance contracts.
(ix) Widening and improvements of National Highways from 2 lanes to 4 lanes and 4 lanes to 6 lanes etc.