THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
(SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)
(a) & (b) As per data available, the total number of road accidents, persons killed and injured in the country during the last three calendar years 2018 to 2020 are given in the following table:-
Year Total
Number
of
Road
Accidents %
Change Total
Number of Persons
Killed %
Change Total
Number
of Persons
Injured %
Change
2018 467044 151417 469418
2019 449002 -3.86 151113 -0.2 451361 -3.85
2020 366138 -18.46 131714 -12.84 348279 -22.84
As may be seen from the above table, there is a decreasing trend in the number of road accidents, persons killed and injured during the last 3 years.
State/UT – wise information on total number of road accidents, persons killed and injured in the country during the last three calendar years 2018 to 2020 is enclosed at Annexure I.
(c) 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:-
1. Education:
i. To create effective public awareness about road safety, Ministry undertakes various publicity measures and awareness campaigns on road safety through social media, electronic media, and print media. Further, Ministry implements a road safety advocacy scheme to provide financial assistance to various agencies for administering Road Safety Advocacy.
ii. Observance of National Road Safety Month/Week every year for spreading awareness and strengthening road safety.
iii. A Certification Course for Road Safety Auditors has been commenced in Indian Academy of Highway Engineers (IAHE).
2. Engineering (both of Roads and vehicles)
• Road engineering:
i. High priority to identification and rectification of black spots (accident prone spots) on national highways.
ii. Road safety has been made an integral part of road design at planning stage. Road Safety Audit of all highway projects has been made mandatory at all stages i.e. design, construction, operation and maintenance.
iii. Ministry has delegated powers to Regional Officers for technical approval to the detailed estimates for rectification of identified Road Accident black spots.
iv. Guidelines for pedestrian facilities on National Highways for persons with disabilities have also been issued to all States / UTs.
v. The electronic Detailed Accident Report (e-DAR) Project has been initiated to establish to a central repository for reporting, management and analysis of road accidents data across the India.
• Vehicle engineering:
i. Safety standards for automobiles have been improved in respect of Airbags, Anti-Breaking System (ABS), Tyres, Crash test, Speed Limiting devices, comply with fire Alarm and protection system etc.
ii. 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. This Ministry, vide notification dated 15th February, 2022 has prescribed norms related to safety measures for children below four years of age, riding or being carried on a motor cycle. Further, it specifies use of a safety harness, crash helmet and restricts speed to 40kmph.
3. Enforcement:
i. The motor vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 provides for strict penalties for ensuring strict compliance and enhancing deterrence for violation of traffic rules and strict enforcement through use of technology.
ii. Issue of Guidelines for protection of Good Samaritans and draft rules as per MV (Amendment) Act, 2019 has been published.
4. Emergency care:
i. The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 provides for a scheme for the cashless treatment of victims of the accident during the golden hour.
ii. The National Highways Authority of India has made provisions for ambulances with paramedical staff/Emergency Medical Technician/Nurse at toll plazas on the completed corridor of National Highways.
iii. Ministry has implemented a Scheme for grant of Award to the Good Samaritan who has saved life of a victim of a fatal accident involving a motor vehicle by administering immediate assistance and rushing to Hospital/Trauma Care Centre within the Golden Hour of the accident to provide medical treatment.
(d) As per information available with the Ministry, 5803 black spots were identified on National Highways of the Country. Black spots in Maharashtra are 25, whereas in Uttar Pradesh it is 405.
(e) Fund allocated to be spent for comprehensive road safety aspects varies from 2.21 % to 15 % of total cost of the project depending upon structures involved for construction of National Highways.
(f) Enabling provisions relating to payment of compensation to victims of road accidents have been given in the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 under section 161 (Special provisions as to compensation in case of hit and run motor accident), section 163 (Scheme for payment of compensation in case of hit and run motor accidents) and section 163A (Special provisions as to payment of compensation on structured formula basis). Further, Ministry has issued notification dated 25 Feb 2022 mandating the procedure for detailed investigation of road accidents, the Detailed Accident Report (DAR) and its reporting, along with timelines for different stakeholders, for quick settlements of claims by the Motor Accident Claim Tribunal (MACT). Claims are filed at Motor Accident Claims Tribunals at State Level. No centralized details with respect to compensation paid and number of victims pending for compensation is available with the Ministry.
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