This is the report which hurts all of us like anything. The mistakes made by you and I is now proving costly, India tops global list of fatal road accidents. In 2007 alone road accidents claimed more than 1.3 lakh lives in the country. “This is an alarming situation as we have been labelled as the country with maximum road deaths. China used to be ahead of us till two years ago, but not any longer. Of this, a majority of cases are of hit and run, which is an area of concern,” said Brahm Dutt, secretary, Road Transport and Highways, Government of India.  What’s more intrguing is the fact that India is still a newbie in global automotive market and it has only fraction of automotives what countries like United States have. The problem is clearly not because of plenty but due to mismanagement and absence of any stringent safety norms.

What Government proposes: The government has decided to constitute national and state level safety boards with experts on road design, vehicle safety and health as members. “The primary role of the boards, which will “come into effect very soon” through an Act of Parliament, is to ensure safety norms are followed by all stakeholders road builders and maintenence agencies, vehicle manufacturers and road users,” said K H Muniyappa, Minister of state for Shipping, Road Transport and Highways.

The government is also going to initiate talks with auto manufacturers to introduce more sophisticated safety gadgetry, as is done abroad. “Devices like airbags, anti-braking system, improved suspensions and the like, which will improve the safety of vehicles will be introduced soon,” added K K Kapila of International Road Federation (IRF). Dutt and Kapila were speaking at a conference on `Mobility and Safety in Road Transport’ organised in the Capital on Friday by IRF.

Straightfrmtheheart: Our road and traffic conditions are not even suitable to drive your vehicle, hence please don’t try to do stunts or race. We sincerely advise you to wear good helmet and proper riding gear while riding a bike. For the occupants of the car please ensure everyone of the occupants has worn seat belts. Atleast from today make sure that safety features of a bike/car also influence your buying decision. Only when you start demanding, these lofty manufacturers will think about it. Bear in min! atleast your kids should have safer cars and safer environment to drive.