Question : Road Accidents Cases in Madhya Pradesh

(a) whether the Government is aware that more than 50 per cent of the total road accident cases in Madhya Pradesh in the year 2020 resulted in death and if so, the reaction of the Government thereto;
(b) the steps being taken by the Government to prevent road accidents;
(c) the funds released by the Government to create awareness about road safety;
(d) whether any guidelines regarding special training to traffic police have been issued to enforce compliance of the road safety standards; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?

Answer given by the minister

THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

(SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)
(a) As per the information available with TRW, total number of road accidents, person killed and injured in the country and Madhya Pradesh during the calendar year 2020 is given in the table below:

In India In Madhya Pradesh
Year Road Accidents Persons killed Road Accidents Persons killed
2020
(Provisional) 3,66,138 1,31,714 45266
(12.4) 11141
(8.5)
Figures in parentheses indicate the percentage share in the total of India.
(b) 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.
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).
(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 funds released by the Government in FY 2020-21 to create awareness about road safety was Rs. 40.99 Crores.
(d) & (e) There is no special guidelines issued on special training to traffic police for compliance of the road safety standards from Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The provision of training to traffic police pertains to the jurisdiction of Ministry of Home Affairs.
However, Institute of Road Traffic Education (IRTE), a ''not for profit'' research organization, has been training police officers (both for Indian Police Services & State Police Service), officials of the Army, Navy and Air force, Para Military Forces, Highway & PWD Engineers, Driver Trainers and drivers, Transport Officials, Motor Licensing Officers, amongst others, across India.
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