THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
(SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)
(a) & (b) The major causes of accidents on the National Highways (NHs) are vehicle design and condition, road engineering, Over-speeding, Drunken driving/ consumption of alcohol & drug, Driving on wrong side, Jumping red light, Use of mobile phone, etc.
The Ministry has formulated a multi-pronged strategy to address the issue of road safety based on Education, Engineering (both of roads and vehicles), Enforcement and Emergency Care. Accordingly, various initiatives have been taken by the Ministry, as detailed below :-
(i) Education:
• The Ministry implements a scheme for undertaking publicity measures and awareness campaigns on road safety to create awareness among road users through the electronic media, print media, NGOs etc.
• Observance of National Road Safety Month/Week every year for spreading awareness and strengthening road safety.
• A Certification Course for Road Safety Auditors has been commenced in Indian Academy of Highway Engineers (IAHE).
• Education of general public on traffic rules and their applicability.
(ii) Engineering (both of Roads and vehicles)
Road engineering
• High priority to identification and rectification of black spots (accident prone spots) on national highways.
• Road safety has been made an integral part of road design at planning stage.
• Ministry has delegated powers to Regional Officers of MORTH for technical approval to the detailed estimates for rectification of identified Road Accident black spots.
• Guidelines for pedestrian facilities on National Highways for persons with disabilities have also been issued to all States / UTs.
Vehicle engineering:
• Safety standards for automobiles have been improved.
• Ministry has notified fitment of Speed Limiting devices on all transport vehicles.
• Scheme for setting up one model Inspection & Certification Centre in each State/UT with Central assistance for testing the fitness of vehicles through an automated system.
(iii) Enforcement:
• The recently passed motor vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 provides for strict enforcement through use of technology and provides for strict penalties for ensuring strict compliance and enhancing deterrence for violation of traffic rules.
• Issue of Guidelines for protection of Good Samaritans and draft rules as per MV (Amendment) Act, 2019 have been published.
(iv) Emergency care:
• The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 provides for a scheme for the cashless treatment of victims of the accident during the golden hour.
• The National Highways Authority of India has made provisions for ambulances at all toll plazas on the completed corridor of National Highways.
• Out of above, 297 ambulances have been upgraded to Basic Life Support as per AIS-125 and upgradation for the remaining is under process.
(c) The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has notified “Member of Parliaments’ Road Safety Committee” in each district of the country to promote awareness amongst road users under the chairmanship of Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) from the district.
(d) & (e) The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has one Road Safety Advocacy Scheme namely “Financial Assistance for administering Road Safety Advocacy and awards for the outstanding work done in the field of Road Safety” through which various NGOs and other organizations conduct road safety related awareness programmes across the country.
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