India is facing a severe road safety crisis, with a staggering number of accidents and deaths occurring daily. The country leads the world in road accident fatalities, a deeply concerning reality that has prompted urgent calls for action from Union Road Transport and Highway Minister Nitin Gadkari.
Speaking at the Society for Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) 64th annual conference in Delhi, Gadkari emphasized the need for a collaborative effort to reduce accidents and make roads safer for both motorists and pedestrians. He pointed out the alarming statistics: “There are nearly 53 accidents and 18 deaths every hour in the country. Just imagine. 45 percent of the accidents because of two-wheelers, 20 percent in pedestrians.”
Gadkari’s message was direct and urgent, calling upon automobile manufacturers to prioritize safety in their operations. He specifically urged them to establish driving schools to ensure drivers are adequately trained in road rules and safe driving practices. He firmly believes that investing in driver training programs will be a significant step towards improving road safety.
Addressing the issue of faulty roads and signage, Gadkari acknowledged that his department is actively working to rectify these issues. He further emphasized the need for safer vehicles and highlighted the crucial role of the Bharat National Car Assessment Program (Bharat NCAP). This program is designed to promote healthy competition among car manufacturers, encouraging them to prioritize safety features for their customers.
The Bharat NCAP, similar to Global NCAP, assesses vehicles based on adult and child occupant protection, as well as safety equipment, awarding a five-star rating to those offering the highest level of safety. By incentivizing manufacturers to prioritize safety, the Bharat NCAP aims to drive the development of safer vehicles and ultimately reduce the number of accidents and fatalities on Indian roads.
