Road Accidents on National Highways in India

INDIACSR News Network

NEW DELHI: The number of road accidents on National Highways particularly in Hilly States throughout the country decreased marginally for the years 2007 and 2008 but again increased during the year 2009. However, the number of road accidents in Himachal Pradesh has shown decreasing trend during the same period. Road accident data is compiled in the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways in a format developed as per the Asia Pacific Road Accident Database (APRAD) project of United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia Pacific (UNESCAP). In this format, specific NH-wise data of road accidents is not compiled.

The safety of road users is primarily the responsibility of the concerned State Governments. However, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has taken certain steps to enhance safety of road users including those in hilly areas. Some of the important steps taken by this Ministry in this regard are indicated below:

i. Road safety included as an integral part of road design at planning stage.
ii. Various steps to enhance road safety such as road furniture, road markings/road signs, introduction of Highway Traffic Management System using Intelligent Transport System, enhancement of discipline among contractors during construction, road safety audit on selected stretches, have been undertaken by National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
iii. Refresher training to Heavy Motor Vehicle drivers in the unorganized sector is being implemented by the Ministry since 1997-98 under Plan activities.
iv. Model Institutes of Driving Training & Research are being set up in the States as a Central Sector Scheme.
v. Publicity campaign on road safety awareness is being carried out regularly both through the audio-visual and print media.
vi. Tightening of safety standards of vehicles like Seat Belts, Power-steering, rear view Mirror etc. in alignment with Global Technical Regulation.
vii. Providing cranes and ambulances to various State Governments/NGOs under National Highway Accident Relief Service Scheme. NHAI also provides ambulances at a distance of 50 Km. on each of its completed stretches of National Highways under its Operation & Maintenance contracts.
viii. Widening and improvements of National Highways from 2 lanes to 4 lanes and 4 lanes to 6 lanes etc.
ix. Providing road safety kits to Schools/Transport/Police authorities for better awakening and consciousness of road safety issues.
x. Celebration of Road Safety week (1st – 7th January) every year across the country involving important stakeholders, to emphasise its importance and publicise various road safety issues.