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The "India Status Report on Road Safety 2024," prepared by the TRIP Centre at IIT Delhi, examines the slow progress India has made in reducing road accident fatalities and underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to road safety that connects road construction and mobility.

Key Findings of the Report

Analysis of Road Safety:

• Utilizes data from First Information Reports (FIRs) across six states.
• Highlights disparities in road traffic death rates, particularly affecting motorcyclists and involving trucks.
• Road traffic injuries are a significant public health issue, with minimal progress in reducing fatalities.

Health Impact:

• In 2021, road traffic injuries were the 13th leading cause of death and 12th for health loss in India.
• In six states, road traffic injuries ranked among the top 10 causes of health loss.

Importance of Crash Surveillance

Current Data Limitations:

• National road safety data systems are inadequate; no national crash-level database exists.
• Road safety statistics are derived from police station records, limiting effective analysis and intervention.

Need for Improved Surveillance:

• The absence of a crash surveillance system necessitates reliance on FIRs and state audits for data.
• The existing safety data systems are insufficient for guiding public policy
• The data often contain inaccurate information on key variables like the victim’s mode of transport.

State Performance in Road Safety

Variability Across States:

• Death rates differ significantly, with Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Chhattisgarh having the highest rates (21.9, 19.2, and 17.6 per 100,000 people, respectively).
• Six states contribute to nearly half of all traffic fatalities in India.

Vulnerable Road Users:

• Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorized two-wheeler riders are the most common victims.
• Helmet usage is low, especially in rural areas, despite its potential to reduce fatalities.

Infrastructure and Safety Measures:

• Only eight states have audited over half of their National Highway lengths.
• Basic traffic safety measures are lacking in most states.

Global Comparison

India vs. Developed Countries:

• In 1990, an Indian was 40% more likely to die in a road accident than someone in developed countries; by 2021, this increased to 600%.
• Questions arise regarding the effectiveness of advanced vehicle safety features, as two-wheeler riders accounts for most of the fatalities.

Recommendations

• Policy intervention and its sincere implementation is required.
• Central and State governments must prioritize road safety interventions.
• Establish a national database of road accidents to enhance public understanding of risks and intervention effectiveness.

Source: The Hindu.