World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims 2024
Every year on the third Sunday of November, the world observes the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. This year, as we pay homage to those who have lost their lives on our roads, we must acknowledge the severity of India’s road safety crisis.
According to the recent India Status Report on Road Safety 2024, prepared by the Transportation Research and Injury Prevention Centre (TRIP) at IIT Delhi, road traffic crashes (RTCs) are the leading cause of unintentional injury deaths in India, accounting for a staggering 43.7% of fatalities. The report reveals a grim picture: overspeeding is the primary cause of these deaths, contributing to a shocking 75.2% of fatalities. Pedestrians, cyclists, and two-wheeler riders are the most vulnerable victims, while trucks are frequently involved in fatal crashes.
Over the past decade, India witnessed a distressing 25% increase in road accident fatalities, with 1.5 million lives lost. Our fatality rate per 10,000 kilometers of road stands at a concerning 250, significantly higher than countries like China and the United States.
These statistics reflect a reality where our roads are fraught with danger. Families mourn the loss of loved ones, and we, as road users, face daily risks. We witness accidents, observe pedestrians and cyclists struggling to share space with speeding vehicles, and see motorcyclists vulnerable to collisions. Even routine journeys, like taking a child to school, require heightened caution. We often resort to larger vehicles for perceived safety, avoid public transport due to last-mile connectivity issues, and navigate roads with a defensive mindset.
A more promising approach is evident in cities worldwide, prioritizing safety and sustainability. They invest in infrastructure for pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport users, creating accessible footpaths and dedicated cycle lanes. Strict enforcement of traffic laws, including penalties for speeding, drunk driving, and other reckless behaviors, is essential. Moreover, reducing urban speed limits to 30 km/h, as advocated by the UN and WHO, not only saves lives but also fosters a more pedestrian-friendly environment.
In Gurugram, the grim reality of road safety is evident. In 2023, 353 pedestrians and cyclists suffered injuries, and 161 lost their lives. These are not mere statistics but represent families shattered by tragedy. We have the power to reduce these numbers to zero.
While Gurugram faces increasing traffic and accidents, it’s crucial to note that 50% of trips are under 5 kilometers, ideal for walking or cycling. Additionally 60% of people in Gurgaon are pedestrians or cyclists. Unfortunately, the city’s pedestrian infrastructure is inadequate, with only 14% of roads having footpaths and a 60% shortfall of crossings. This forces pedestrians onto dangerous roads, increasing their vulnerability.
In Gurugram, in the last five years, while the total number of vehicles increased by 40%, the incidence of crashes increased by 135%, far outpacing the growth of vehicles. A closer look at the data reveals that 79% of crashes occur due to overspeeding, while another 14% are due to rough driving. We build ever-faster, ever-wider roads to accommodate a small minority of the road users instead of the slow, safe and vibrant urban streets that the city requires. Highways in a city are usually the major death traps, and that is true in Gurugram as well. In 2023, there were 439 fatalities on our roads and 45% of these fatalities were on the national highway comprising just 2.1% of the roads.
A robust city bus service is another vital solution. The current fleet size is insufficient to meet the city’s demand. By introducing reliable bus services, we can reduce reliance on private cars, which contribute to half of road accidents. Buses also alleviate traffic congestion, pollution, and carbon emissions, particularly on the heavily burdened roads between Gurugram and Delhi. The recent acquisition of 500 electric buses by the Gurugram Metropolitan City Bus Limited (GMCBL) under the PM e-bus Sewa Scheme is a positive step towards addressing these issues.
To address the alarming rate of road accidents in India, a comprehensive approach is necessary. Investing in improved infrastructure, such as continuous, accessible footpaths and cycle tracks, is paramount. Promoting public transportation through efficient bus services can significantly reduce private vehicle usage. Additionally, implementing measures to slow down traffic, like reduced speed limits and traffic calming measures, is crucial. By prioritizing these measures, we can create safer roads and protect the lives of millions of Indians.
