India's hurried quest for development and its disregard for road safety have resulted in a major public health problem that demands serious thought and action.
The high mortality and morbidity associated with road traffic injuries are a major public health challenge worldwide. Every year, road traffic crashes kill an estimated 1.2 million people. The figure for the injured is over 50 million. Significant increases in these estimates are projected over the next decade. However, the scale of individual tragedies rarely attracts media and world attention.
Ninety per cent of such injuries occur in the developing world. India has had the dubious distinction of high rates and a steady increase in road fatalities over the past three decades. The poor and the vulnerable (pedestrians and cyclists) bear the brunt. The majority of the victims are men aged between 15 and 40 and economically active. Road accident injuries often overwhelm emergency and casualty departments of most hospitals, which result in their coping poorly with the patient load. A significant proportion of non-fatal injuries results in traumatic brain damage and substantial disability. Deaths of breadwinners often push families into poverty. The social and economic costs are massive and often difficult to quantify.
First world highways and third world context: The last decade saw many new national and State highways connecting different parts of the country. These modern marvels have shortened transit times, thanks to greatly increased speeds of travel. However, the designs of these highways did not take into account the local reality. They were built on existing roads, which connected small towns. These motorways now go through towns; they bisect villages. Pedestrian crossings, near towns and villages, make for killing fields. Lack of fencing around and elevation of the highway allows animals to encroach upon the road, setting the stage for crashes.
The absence of overbridges, underpasses and alternative roads for village traffic means that speeding vehicles compete with slow-moving farm and rural traffic (cycles, rickshaws, hand and animal-drawn carts and tractors). It is common to see rural and farm vehicles travelling in the wrong direction on dual carriageways. In addition, alcohol outlets along the highway and the absence of routine checks by highway patrols encourage drunken driving and add to consequent disasters.
Quick-fixes with no master plan: Flyovers and elevated roads dot many major Indian cities. However, these are essentially quick fixes. Most cities do not have long-term master plans for transport and traffic. Ad hoc and non-uniform solutions to local road situations are common. The absence of traffic lights and roundabouts at most road junctions results in ambiguity over the right of way. Routing heavy vehicular traffic through densely populated areas, and poor and non-standardised road signs and markings also compound the problem. The location of bus stops and traffic lights often leaves much to be desired.
Lackadaisical enforcement: There is a basic lack of knowledge of road safety rules among users. Driving tests in India never examine the actual driving skills on regular roads. “Mirror-signal-manoeuvre” is unheard of, overtaking on the left is the norm and red traffic lights are considered suggestions rather than absolutes. Periodic tests for the safety of older vehicles and drivers are non-existent. Vehicles with just one headlight on or those with misaligned high beams are a common sight. They make driving after dark a hazardous experience.
Slow vehicular traffic hogging the fast lanes is a common sight on highways; so are heavy vehicles parked on slow lanes, with no tail and emergency lights. Seat belts in cars and crash helmets for pedal and motorcycles are not used regularly, increasing the risk of serious and fatal injury. Excessive speed, novice drivers with no knowledge of road safety and those with high blood alcohol levels contribute to serious road crashes. The failure to maintain adequate distance between vehicles also makes driving on Indian roads perilous. Vehicles overloaded with people, produce and products go unchecked. In addition, those identified for breaking road safety rules are often a source of additional income for enforcement personnel.
Different rules for different vehicles: Traffic rules are more often observed in the breach. Vehicles have the right of way over pedestrians even at pedestrian crossings; bigger vehicles have a right of way over smaller vehicles. Flashing headlights imply an immediate claim to right of way. Idiosyncratic signalling is common among truck drivers (for example, the use of the right-turn indicator to allow overtaking) and this increases ambiguity and risks of crashes.
Fragmented responsibility: The design, construction and operation of different classes of roads lie with different government agencies, resulting in a fragmentation of responsibility. The rural-urban and the legislation-implementation divides, and the lack of coordination among different authorities result in road safety falling in no-man's land. This also results in a lack of accountability. The consequent lack of leadership in the area of road injury prevention adds to the difficulties.
Social issue and equity: The extent of a society's civilisation can be judged by its regard for pedestrians' rights. In India, there is little respect for such rights. Road injuries disproportionately affect the poor. The burden of such injuries, harm and consequent disability is much greater among pedestrians and those who use pedal and motorcycles. Large sections are at risk for such injury, making it an urgent social issue. The increase in vehicular speeds on unsafe roads raises concerns about equity, justice and fairness for a large section.
The way forward
India needs to aim for safe and sustainable road systems. Research and development over the past few decades in the West have proved that a range of interventions exists to prevent crashes and injury. India has many good intentions, rules and statutes on its books but the gap between what is known to be effective and what is actually practised on the ground is often wide. A commitment to injury prevention is lacking. Mobile ambulance and curative health services are no substitute for prevention. As with all public health approaches, road injury prevention requires effective management to put in place sustainable and evidence-based measures and overcome obstacles to implementing safe practices.
India does not seem to have a road injury surveillance system. Under-reporting of road injuries is common and hides a major public health problem; police and health data only provide partial accounts of the magnitude and nature of the issues. This is particularly true of non-fatal, yet severely disabling, outcomes. There is need for accurate data collection systems. These will aid in planning interventions and designing better and more appropriate road systems.
There is also need to seriously examine and correct lapses and inadequacies in road design and planning. Periodic fitness certification for all motorised vehicles, universalisation of road signs and enforcement of law and safety regulations are crucial. Driving tests should be made more stringent and should test knowledge in addition to driving skills. They need to be conducted on regular roads. Refresher training and re-testing should be introduced. We should have zero tolerance of underage drivers. India needs to consider severe penalties for violations; cumulative penalties for recurrent infringements should result in temporary withdrawal of licences or a permanent ban on driving.
Road traffic systems are highly complex and can be dangerous to human health. Injury prevention requires an extremely coordinated effort on the part of the government and society. It mandates a “systems approach;” understanding the system as a whole, the interaction between its elements, and the identification of points of intervention. Road safety is a shared responsibility. It requires political will and administrative commitment from the government, industry, public works departments and law-enforcement and health agencies. Governments need to identify lead agencies to guide the effort, research the problems and policies, prepare the strategy and action plans, allocate human and financial resources and implement specific interventions. Non-governmental and community organisations can play an important role by highlighting the issues, studying local problems, educating and informing the general public and suggesting solutions.
A combination of legislation, enforcement of laws and education of road-users can significantly improve compliance with key safety rules, thereby reducing injuries. While strategies from developed countries can be adopted, there is also need to study the local context and implement relevant interventions and plans to improve road safety. The current rates of morbidity and mortality due to road injuries are both unacceptable and avoidable. Road safety should be high up on the political, administrative and community agenda.
(Professor K.S. Jacob is on the faculty of the Christian Medical College, Vellore.)
Keywords: Traffic violations, road accidents
When it comes to road accidents, Indians wont worry about it until and unless its you. When its you, you wont be there anymore to worry about it
The Government has to take effective measures to prevent road accidents. The traffic laws should be respected by the people. Riding the vehicle like a barbarian and accusing others is a rite, what we can find commonly in a developing countries like India. Strict rules has to be implemented to make evitable accidents. To create awareness to the people about road safety and the people to respect the traffic rules and regulations. It is a regret that many families have lost their bread earners and their loving kids at tender age. But still the people had not learnt any lesson about road safety and live the same kind of life. We have the habit of forgetting events in due course of time. It is a fault of human being and not someone.
Good article presenting the picture as it is. We need more mass / public transport systems. Trains should take precedence over highways. They are safer, faster and cheaper. Roads should be for small commutes within towns and cities. Not to say we do not need roads, but putting it in order of preference.
People should become more responsible. Expecting police to control everything will work in an autocratic environment. But we are not game for that. As far as traffic is concerned, we play the non cooperation movement to the hilt. The results are evident in every city and town. The first non cooperation movement drove the British out, we do not know who we are trying to drive out. But if you talk to people who have settled abroad, one reason for not returning is pathetic state of infrastructure. In essence we are driving ourselves out of the country. What is left behind is the chaff with some wheat. Are we surprised we are going down hill?
This is a serious and heartrending issue that does not get deserved attention --
1. Making 2 lane National Highways and state highways to 4 lane in very high traffic routes
2. Provision of ambulances within the 'Golden Hour' after any accident occurs across India
3. Strict licensing
4. Honest traffic policing aimed towards improving safety
--are extremely urgent.
Well, no doubt, our Indian Government has to learn a lot and do a lot to reform the situation. We cannot however deny the fact, that end of the day, however much rules, enforcement regulations are put in place, if all of us who have come across the article (to say so the least numbers)manage ourselves from this moment, in a disciplined way whenever we use public roads(driving, walking or even restraining from encroaching/blocking public places/movements etc)then we can deem that the author of this article, has been paid his revenue, which he rightfully deserves.
absolutely true!! even though most of us know this they are very few of us who actually follow it... i have seen so many people drive on full beams at night, flash their headlights as if a warning, for me to clear their path!!! one trying to outsmart the other... the road is filled with morons!! strict rules, stricter enforcement and bribe proof traffic constables is the need of the hour...
Prof. Jacob,
The article is an eye opener, Its the daily scenes experienced by a common man in roads except you have wonderfully put in a paper, I hope a research was needed only on the recomendations side!, which everybody knows can be done but dont want to be done by the successive governments for simple reasons,
If Problem persists only Politics exists, so let the problem become a pandemic then the Govt. will look into it as the next electorial campaign issue,
Accidents are a common scene in our roads and how many have time to ponder of what happened and the corrective measures to be implemented, Its a regular site we can see traffic Policemen showing lathis at overspeeding Lorries to stop them, reason the lorry should not ply on that road, still after getting the tip from the driver still the driver runs on the same road - outcome we all know what happens later,
Why Blame the Politicians and Police ONLY, why people cannot unite together and clean the mess, we all know for ages that government cannot/will do anything on this, still we crib and criticize them, Try to take some blames on ourselves also and rectify that then we will find some solutions for the problems in the near future
As somebody who has lost a family member in a road accident, I can only feel lucky in terms of safe travel while using our roads.
What amazes me is that, inspite of having lakhs of fatal accidents in this country, Road Safety regulations and enforcements have seldom captivated the main stream media like the recent swine flu coverage.
Your article captures the essense of what is going on in our roads. There is a dire need is to establish safety standards and regulations and have them enforced acorss the board.
Unless there is a focused & sustained campaign by the main media, this will hardly be any issue for the powers-the-be. God bless India!
Dear Prof,
You had written a very good article which has covered almost all aspects of present situation of Traffic in India.
I stay in Hosur and travel to Bangalore everyday for work. I had seen all the above mentioned violations in the past.
I really feel that, the problem in our country is not Corruption or Corrupted Politicians or Lethargic Govt Officials; but, it is our own people. Our people dont respect each other and no body cares for others.
We need to somehow imbibe that, 'we are responsible for what is happening around us'. If this can be achieved, i really hope that, not only this traffic violations; but also, all other issues will come in place.
Thanks for writing this article.
Even the car manufacturers disregard road safety. When it comes to Europe or USA, these same manufacturer's offer more safety features like more air bags and standard ABS brakes. But when it comes to India, these manufacturer's don't care and offer sub standard cars for the Indian public. These manufacturer's would not allow Government to formulate any stringent safety norms because their profit would take a hit. Long live road safety in India....
a very good analysis.Road accident is a major social issue for a developing country like India because it creates physical,mental and economic problem for a person for a family which needs urgent solution and solution lies in making area specific plan,metro cities like delhi needs better pedestrian road and strict adherence to traffic norms while semi urban areas and smaller cities needs wide and separate highways for four wheeler and two wheeler.Rampant corruption which associated with traffic authorities also need urgent attention but above all its about spreading awareness to masses will solve the problem.
It is really scary driving in those conditions..Why does it take a long time to implement these changes?I completely agree with the suggestions mentioned by the author..Does the government have a high level plan atleast? If so, when can we expect these changes to be effective? questions!
Road safety is definately emerging as a major challenge to public health not only because of increase in the volume of road accident due to construction of highways for fast moving traffic but as personalize vechile is a good mean of posession and demonstration of wealth so their number is also increasing abruptly with concentration benift of economic growth in richer section. In a city where economic iniquality is very pronounced, richers are buying personalised vechile on large scale, which is reducing the space for poorers for walking or cyceling safely, as publilic transportation is being expensive and somtimes so irregular in its nature, poorer are bounded to put their life in denger by walking of cycling. As government is taking their hand back to provide curative medical service due to their public health policy. Breadwinner of a poorer household are bounded to get either incapiceated or to die, which is supposed to push the poor household more in a trap of chronic poverty. An urgent attention of transport and urban planners and and policy makers of existing health system is need on such increasingly catastrophic issue.
The article is excellent. To brief in two lines.. Things will become worse and worse day by day unless the whole system is cleaned up and stringent actions are taken (which can be only done by Millitary or CRPF and not at all by local police). License validation has to done for all the license holders. No body (120 crore people) in India know the traffic rules even the Transport commissioners to village drivers..
License validation should have tests like this: 1. A sharp right turn of a vehicle parked in a slope without allowing the car to slip even a mm. 2. Doing a reverse parking in between two vehicles in a downward slope. These kind of extremely tough tests will eradicate a min of 40% of present license holders. They can go learn and comeback and take the test. DL, PAN nos to be linked.. Lot of suggestions can be given if the government listens...
In the race to become an economic superpower, pedestrians are being thrown out of the roads, tribals from the forests, farming community out of their land, urban poor from their modest dwelling places and clean air from everywhere. Development, come what may, is the mantra. With huge apartment blocks reaching out to the sky and blocking any movement of air in our cities and towns, large motor cars and motor cycles flooding the roads, the countrysides forgotten and governance remaining only on paper the ordinary people in the country have nowhere to go . They are helpless. They have to meekly pay the wages of development with nothing to gain from it. yet the governments win elections, don't they?
Life is precious when you are alive. There is no road safety after death. Money calculations are done by the Accounts Departments/District Treasuries. Can you please inform the Road and Transport Departments and PWD people to make Speed Breakers and Road Dividers. This is the only solution for the vehicles on road. There is no alternative. Could you please inform those people.
It's well written article which is eye opener for our policy makers. But who is going to convince them(policy makers)? these measures should be included at planning of public works like lay out development, road laying...
Why, oh why, this vast gap between ground reality in India and the well-rounded articulation of the problems and solutions outlined in the article?
Dear Prof. Jacob
I would like to thank you for explaning the problems associated with road safety in India so articulately. On the aspect of education of road-users, i would just like to add that most of the driving licenses issued in India are done so without seriously assessing the driving capability and knowledge of traffic rules of the applicant.
Due to the rampant corruption, even under aged applicants are able to get driving licenses. I feel that in addition to the suggestions you've made, there is a need to address this issue as well, so as to ensure that applicans are actually aware of traffic rules and are competent drivers.
Liked the article very much. Thanks to Prof. Jacob for his thoughtful and insightful essay. Covered the length and breadth of traffic safety issues across the country. Research, support from administrative and governmental agencies, enforcement, public awareness and public support could help address the traffic safety issues of general public in India.
Hello sir
This is prakash from bangalore city. I saw a accident nearer to my place where i am staying
A water tank tracter was coming downwards on a bridge after unloading water to a apartment.
The tracter driver driving over speed even though there is a speed breaker on the road like a action hero,suddenly he lost his control because of over speed
A 45yrs old man who was walking along the roadside was hit by the tracter cruelly and the oldman died on the spot itself,the tracter driver escaped from the spot without stopping the vehicle.
So the government should avoid the stunt show in a tv and film advertisement
Hello Sir,
It is a pleasure to read your article. I for one being born and brought up in the Middle East, had a different take to road traffic, road rules and the ROADS per se. Coming to Kerala showed me how much work really needs to be done. To quote my dad.. "Develop your roads, so will your society".
It is no humdinger why so many accidents and subsequent DALY loss are occurring in our nation. The multitude of problems we face have to be tackled. The stats we have of Road Traffic Accidents is just the tip of the iceberg.
From my personal experience: at the age of 19, when i went for a driving license test, I was asked to drive 50m up and down around 2 trees.. and that was it!.
The World Health Organization in 2004 emphasized on the significance of curbing road traffic accidents
We as citizens of a democratic country should be able to voice and bring it to the attention of our government. The Govt. has to put their foot down and get things sorted, else we will soon be dealing with the biggest stat contributor to Mortality in India.
Yeah, This is a serious issue but the government and media paying less attention to it.when we look at road accidents on a large scale it should be a big concern.There are so many issues helping out amelioration of road killings like increasing number of vehicles connecting national highways to village streams and another focusing issue is driving license with out proper knowledge about driving today everyone getting licenses with bribes. so it needs to stop those illegal activities and save more lives
Highly informative need of the hour piece of article will surely act to make it good.. thank you ..MR. Jacob
Sadly a true picture of India traffic. I wonder when this will change. Must read for safty purpose.
There are umpteen Govt. departments in India for anything and everything, but nothing dedicated to Traffic. There should be a central Traffic department that has its own cops that have rights to enforce penalties and punishment. Chennai has numerous cars with red and blue lights atop them. Use them for godssake. Use the police siren, to enforce the law and catch the culprits. No point adopting a soft approach. At the same time, ensure that the traffic rules are being publcised everywhere - movie theatres, public spaces etc, sign boards - so that people are aware. It is true that we didnt train them well earlier, but at least now, we should thrust the message across. For the newer yet-to-get-license generation, the licensing process has to be stringent. Fail those that dont meet standards, and force them to come prepared both in the theoretical tests and practical. According to me, these are very very easy, but there is no WILL!
This is a very honest summary of safety in Roads in India.
Leave alone Roads people have no safety conciousness at all even at home.
Death due to Fire in Marriages, Functions, Processions, Festivals, Kitchens etc etc is so common and if somebody starts talking on that they are considered as crooks.
You can count every day as lucky escape if you survive and succeed from all these dangers in India.
Awareness on safety should be inculcated from young age and should be part of education in schools.
People should have awarenesss on basic safety standards first to start thinking about safety in Public.
We are proud of taking risks to accomplish nothing.
Some of the other dangers that you will never imagine in a developed world are Trains / Buses with no doors, Auto-rickshaws that will not meet any of the safety standards, Road side drenches without any fencing or cover, Big Bricks or Blocks of any size on the Roads (any Roads).
Strict enforcement of Rule is a basic need and discipline by Government Agencies is most important.
Government Departments should show they care for safety.
Heavy penalties should be imposed and levied with no consideration to any influences they may have.
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