Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra are among five states that recorded the highest number of road mishaps for the second consecutive year. Uttar Pradesh has reported the highest number of fatalities in 2015, provisional data compiled by the Transport Research Wing (TRW) of the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways indicates.
Though the ministry is yet to formally publish this data, the provisional data was presented in the Rajya Sabha by the government on May 2. It said TRW’s provisional data for 2015 showed an increase of 4.6 per cent in nationwide road mishap fatalities, from 1,39,671 in 2014 to 1,46,133 deaths in 2015.
Analysis of the provisional data by Delhi-based SaveLIFE Foundation showed that 23 states had reported an increase in road accident fatalities. In comparison, total injuries rose by 6,905 between 2014 and 2015, or by 1.39 per cent (see graphic).
In 2015, Tamil Nadu reported the highest number of road accidents followed by Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala. These states contributed 29.66 per cent of total accidents and also the highest number of injuries at 2,75,873.
Though UP reported 32,385 road accidents — nearly half of Tamil Nadu’s tally — the state reported the highest number of fatalities (17,666), followed by Tamil Nadu (15,642), Maharashtra (13,212), Karnataka (10,856) and Rajasthan (10,510). These states contributed to 46.45 per cent of fatalities in 2015.
After senior BJP leader Gopinath Munde’s death in a road accident in 2014, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari had promised to bring in the National Road Safety and Transport Bill. However, the bill has been delayed due to differences between the Centre and states over several issues including sharing of revenues accruing from motor vehicles taxation. In December 2015, 50 MPs had written to the Prime Minister supporting the introduction of a comprehensive road safety legislation.
Saji Cherian, Director (Operations), SaveLIFE Foundation, said, “Given the fact that India leads the world in road accident fatalities, there is an urgent need for a strong legislation that protects all classes of road users. The Parliamentary Standing Committee has rightly noted that a legislation which addresses road safety issues should be introduced at the earliest.”
The government said along with other UN members, India has set a target of reducing road accident fatalities by 50 per cent by 2020. It has approved a National Road Safety Policy which includes setting up a road safety information database and enforcement of safety laws. Also, a multi-pronged strategy based on four ‘E’s — education, engineering, enforcement and emergency care — has been formulated.
National Road Safety bill delayed due to differences between the Centre over several issues
