546 Die Every Day in Traffic Accidents: NCRB Data

Syllabus: GS2/Governance

Context

• According to the latest report by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), 1.99 lakh people died in traffic accidents in 2024, an increase of 0.79% compared to 2023.

Major Findings

• Traffic accidents include road accidents, railway accidents, incidents on railway tracks or railway premises, and accidents at railway crossings.
• Road Accidents: Out of 1.99 lakh traffic-related deaths recorded in 2024, 1.75 lakh (88%) were due to road accidents.
• The socio-economic costs of road crashes alone amount to around 3.14% of India’s GDP.
• Two-wheelers account for most of the fatal road accidents, followed by pedestrians and cars.
• Speeding is the biggest factor, accounting for 58% of the total road deaths.
• The top three states in terms of fatalities are Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.

Reasons for Increased Numbers of Road Accidents in India

• Overspeeding and Reckless Driving: Overspeeding, dangerous overtaking, drunk driving, and mobile phone usage while driving are among major causes.
• Poor Road Infrastructure: Badly maintained roads, potholes, inadequate signage, poor lighting, and unsafe road design increase accident risks.
• Weak Enforcement of Traffic Rules: Inadequate monitoring and inconsistent enforcement of traffic laws lead to low compliance with safety regulations.
• Lack of Proper Driver Training: Weak licensing systems and insufficient driver education result in unskilled and irresponsible driving behaviour.
• Rapid Growth of Vehicles and Traffic Congestion: Increasing vehicle ownership without proportional expansion of road infrastructure creates chaotic and unsafe traffic conditions.
• Weak Emergency and Trauma Care: Delays in medical assistance and inadequate trauma care facilities, especially in rural areas, increase fatalities after accidents.

Government Initiatives

• National Road Safety Policy India, 2010: It emphasized the need for better road infrastructure, stricter enforcement of traffic rules, enhanced emergency medical services, public awareness campaigns, and improved post-crash care.
• Electronic Detailed Accident Report (e-DAR)/ Integrated Road Accident Database (iRAD): Centralized system for reporting, managing, and analyzing road accident data to improve safety.
• Speedy Assistance to Accident Victims:
  • Award ₹25,000 for Good Samaritans who help accident victims.
  • Faster compensation: ₹2.5 lakh for grievous hurt, ₹5 lakh for death.
  • Enhanced compensation for hit-and-run victims: ₹2 lakh for death, ₹50,000 for grievous hurt.
  • Simplified procedures for third-party insurance, including hired drivers.
• Vehicle Fitness: Old, unfit vehicles contribute to accidents. The Ministry is setting up model Inspection and Certification Centers across States/UTs (28 States/UTs covered by 2024).
• IIT Madras Collaboration: Establishing a Center of Excellence for Road Safety to develop new products, conduct research, and promote safety initiatives.
• Accident Blackspot Rectification: Priority on identifying and improving accident-prone spots on National Highways through engineering measures.
• Road Safety Audits: Mandatory audits for all highway projects at design, construction, and operation stages.
• Brasilia Declaration: India was one amongst the initial 100+ countries to have signed the Brasilia Declaration in 2015 committing to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal 3.6 i.e.to half the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic crashes by 2030. 
• Motor Vehicles Amendment Act, 2019: The act brought about higher penalties for traffic violations, including speeding, drunk driving, and not wearing helmets or seat belts. 

Way Ahead

• India has done substantial research on road safety through premiere institutions like Indian Institute of Technology (IITs) and Central Road Research Institute (CRRI).
  • The government can collaborate with these institutes to improve policies and action plans. 
• The corporate sector can play a role in helping strengthen road safety by funding research, spreading awareness. 

Source: IE