(a) whether a drastic decline has been noticed in the number of road accidents during the year 2020 and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the nationwide lockdown was one of the reasons for the said decline and if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government is considering any action towards further reduction in the number of road accidents in the coming years; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
(SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)
(a) & (b) As per the data received from police department of all States/UTs , month-wise details of the total number of road accidents & persons killed on all roads in the country for the calendar years 2019 & 2020 is enclosed at Annexure-1.
(c) & (d) 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 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).
(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.
• The threshold for four laning of National Highways have been reduced from 15,000 Passenger Car Units (PCUs) to 10,000 PCUs.
• 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 The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 provides for strict enforcement through use of technology and further provides for strict penalties for ensuring strict compliance and enhancing deterrence for violation of traffic rules.
? Rules for protection of Good Samaritans as per the Motor Vehicles (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 also deployed 550 ambulances at toll plazas on the completed corridor of National Highways.
? Out of 550 ambulances, 171 ambulances have been upgraded to Basic Life Support as per AIS-125.
The Ministry of Road Transport & 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.