Deadly driving
OVER 1.5 lakh Indians lost their lives due to road accidents in 2016. Almost five lakh were injured. Sobering statistics, indeed — even as they show a decline of 4.1 per cent in the number of accidents. The number of fatalities, however, rose 3.2 per cent in the year. It is shocking that these horrifying figures do not get the attention they deserve. It is convenient to blame bad roads, poor maintenance of vehicles, laxity in crash test requirements for vehicles, traffic congestion, etc., but at the end of the day, the buck stops with the person behind the wheel.Drivers who show a cavalier disregard for safety norms — jumping traffic lights, over speeding, driving on the wrong side of the road, drink driving, etc., are manifestations of a disturbing and utter disregard for elementary caution. When self-discipline is found lacking, it is necessary to enforce norms through the law and order machinery. The confidence of impunity that Indian drivers have needs to be shaken by enforcing the law with a heavy hand, and by ensuring that there are no exceptions made when this is done.
Reckless driving is an aspect that needs to be addressed also through educational initiatives, stricter check while issuing driving licences and greater involvement of the traffic police. On the other hand, roads need to be paved properly, road signs must be ubiquitous and uniform, railway crossings, road repair sites, etc., marked and there should be adequate lighting on the roads. This is where the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, which has released the data, should get proactive. Vehicle manufacturers too need to take note of the rising fatalities. India is the only major car producing country without a “New Car Assessment Programme”. Our cars have performed poorly when tested in the Global NCAP’s crash tests. Releasing official statistics is the first step in understanding the problem. Much more will need to be done to make Indian roads safe for drivers, passengers and pedestrians.
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