The Freedom of Safe Roads

A Freedom We Miss!
As India celebrates its 78th Independence Day, a day of immense pride and reflection, it’s essential to evaluate not just the progress we’ve made as a nation but also the challenges that persist. Our track record on road safety stands out as alarmingly poor. India holds the dubious distinction of having the worst road safety record in the world, accounting for nearly 11% of global road accident deaths, despite having only 1% of the world’s vehicles. In 2023 alone, 168,000 lives were lost in road crashes across the country—a stark reminder that while we have achieved political freedom, the fight for safety and security on our roads is far from over.

The Human Cost
These numbers are not just statistics; they represent families torn apart, dreams shattered, and lives cut short prematurely. Every road accident has a human story behind it, and the cost of these accidents goes beyond the immediate loss of life. Families lose breadwinners, children are orphaned, and survivors often face long-term physical and psychological trauma. The economic impact is also significant, with road accidents costing the Indian economy an estimated 3% of its GDP annually. This is a substantial burden for a developing nation striving to lift millions out of poverty.

Roadblocks to Safety
Several factors contribute to this grim scenario. Poor infrastructure, including inadequate road design, lack of pedestrian pathways, insufficient traffic signals, and poor road conditions, plays a significant role. The rapid growth in the number of vehicles on the roads has not been matched by corresponding improvements in road infrastructure, creating dangerous conditions for pedestrians, cyclists, drivers, and passengers.

Driver behaviour is another critical issue. The disregard for traffic rules, over-speeding, drunk driving, and distracted driving are rampant across the country. The enforcement of traffic laws is often lax, and penalties for violations are not stringent enough to deter dangerous behaviour. Moreover, the lack of adequate training for drivers exacerbates the problem.

The government has taken some steps in this direction, such as the introduction of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act in 2019, which aims to improve road safety through stricter penalties for traffic violations and better enforcement of laws. However, much more needs to be done. Public awareness campaigns, better infrastructure planning, and stricter enforcement of traffic laws are essential. Additionally, road safety education should be integrated into school curriculums to instill safe driving habits from a young age. Improving public transport will also help alleviate the stress on roads.

Individual Responsibility
The freedom to move safely on our roads is a right that every Indian should enjoy. But this freedom comes with responsibility. Regardless of road conditions, traffic, or weather, a good driver always prioritizes safety and takes responsibility for safe travel. This requires focus and anticipatory alertness. The main reasons for conflict on the road are invariably related to hurry, an underestimation of risk, and ignorance. I urge each of us to commit to following the key tenets of proactive driving:

Follow the rules! It helps build trust, and there’s science behind these rules.

Keep yourself protected using seatbelts and helmets.

Always drive within the speed limit.

Avoid distractions to stay focused and alert to changing conditions.

Maintain collision avoidance space around your vehicle; avoid squeezing through gaps.

Be aware of your blind spots and those of other vehicles, especially around large vehicles or when changing lanes. Do not overtake on curves.

Never drive under the influence of alcohol or when fatigued.

The Road Ahead
True freedom is not just about political sovereignty but also about the freedom to live and move safely in our own country. Road safety is a fundamental aspect of this freedom, and improving it should be a national priority.
It is not just a policy issue; it’s a social responsibility requiring a collective effort from the government, civil society, and each of us. As citizens, we must promote a culture of safety on our roads. Let us pledge to first take responsibility ourselves, to walk, ride, or drive safely, and to be role models for our near and dear ones.
Only when every Indian enjoys the freedom to move safely on our roads can we truly say that we are a free and secure nation.