In 2022, a staggering 4,61,312 road accidents took place in India, resulting in the loss of 1,68,491 lives and leaving as many as 4,43,366 individuals injured. This data was revealed in the latest government report, ‘Road accidents in India – 2022’. Moreover, the data revealed an alarming 11.9% year-on-year increase in accidents and a 9.4% surge in fatalities. The report further highlights a 15.3% rise in the number of people who suffered injuries compared to the previous year. As these statistics paint a grim picture of road safety, it is imperative to address and combat this growing crisis to safeguard lives.
The report by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is compiled based on data received from the police departments of states and union territories, following the standardized formats provided by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) under the Asia Pacific Road Accident Data (APRAD) base project.
Contributing factors and urgent measures
The report emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to address factors contributing to these accidents. Speeding, reckless driving, drunken driving, and non-compliance with traffic regulations are among the major causes. Strengthening enforcement mechanisms, enhancing driver education and training programs, and investing in improving road and vehicle conditions are crucial.
Govt’s strategy to curb road accidents
According to the report, the Ministry is implementing robust measures to curb road accidents. It is working on various aspects such as road user behaviour, road infrastructure, vehicle standards, enforcement of traffic regulations, and leveraging technology for accident prevention, the report further mentioned.
“As the road accidents are multi-causal in nature, requiring multi-pronged approach to mitigate the problems through concerted efforts of all agencies at both Central Government and State Governments. The Ministry, along with various other related organizations as well as stakeholders has formulated a multi-pronged strategy to address the issue of road safety focusing on all 4Es including Education, Engineering (both roads and vehicles), Enforcement and Emergency Care,” the report detailed.