If all other conditions were optimal, the proposed amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 approved by the Union Cabinet could achieve good results in reining in the growing band of lawless drivers on India's roads. But conditions today are not really conducive to the creation of a scientific zero tolerance regime. The stronger penalties that are sought to be introduced, therefore, can at best have a patchy impact on the notorious national record on road safety. India has a tally of nearly 126,000 road accident deaths in a year, and injuries many times that number. Several high-profile accidents now involve fast cars and drunk drivers. Obviously, strengthening both traffic rules and the system of enforcement is crucial to check such trends. The proposals to enhance and escalate penalties for offences such as driving under the influence of alcohol and narcotics, speeding and failure to stop at signals are positive. Many people think nothing of using mobile phones while at the wheel, and the move to check such distracted drivers is also welcome. Similarly, vehicle users should be compelled to wear helmets and seat belts. These measures are consistent with the objectives outlined by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture — which is to upgrade the MV Act to present-day requirements and enhance penalties to achieve deterrence, discipline and road safety. But the law cannot be effective in the absence of a credible and professional enforcement machinery.
Traffic control, enforcement of rules and accident investigation fall within the realm of the police, but as the Sundar Committee on Road Safety and Traffic Management observed in its 2007 report, the entire system rests on a weak foundation. To inspire confidence in the ability of the police to enforce the law, there is a need for qualified Central and State-level agencies to periodically review the rules, and the operations and management practices employed. This recommendation from the Committee has, however, not made much progress, and the Centre must make a sincere effort to come up with enabling legislation. Greater use of cameras would bring a lot more credibility to enforcement, help determine fault, check corruption and protect rule-abiding drivers. A modern traffic system must, in addition, adopt globally recognised signs to guide motorists. Finally, the Centre must recognise the multi-sectoral nature of the issue, involving not just the police, but engineering, urban planning and public health specialists. New Delhi needs the support of the States, which hold the key to enforcement, to move ahead with amendments to the MV Act. The agenda brooks no delay.
