India rates highest in road accidents
India has the highest number of road accidents in the world.With over 130,000 deaths annually, the country has overtaken China and now has the worst road traffic accident rate The total number of deaths every year due to road accidents has now passed the 135,000 mark, according to the latest report of National Crime Records Bureau or NCRB. Road accidents are a human tragedy. It involves high human suffering and socio-economic costs in terms of premature deaths, injuries, loss of productivity etc. The problem of road safety remains acute in India. During the year 2011, there were around 4.98 lakh road accidents, which killed 1.42 lakh people and injured more than 5 lakh persons, many of whom are disabled for rest of their lives. These numbers translate into one road accident every minute, and one road accident death in less than four minutes. Sadly, many of these victims are young people, those who are economically active.
While trucks and two-wheelers were responsible for over 40 per cent of deaths, peak traffic during the afternoon and evening rush hours is the most dangerous time to be on the roads. Drunken driving is a major factor for road accidents .Campaigns against drunken driving have not proved effective.
Out of the estimated 1.4 million serious road accidents/collisions occurring annually in India, hardly 0.4 million are recorded. Further, only a minimal percentage of these collisions are scientifically investigated, in the absence of which, the real causes and consequences are never known. Therefore remedial measures as well as punishment for the violators are also arbitrary. On account of various political and socio-economic conditions, generally, the larger vehicles are often labelled the culprit in cases of vehicle-to-vehicle crashes. Road safety can only be improved when we understand the causes and consequences of road accidents/collisions so as to work out remedial measures.
India has the highest number of road accidents in the world.With over 130,000 deaths annually, the country has overtaken China and now has the worst road traffic accident rate The total number of deaths every year due to road accidents has now passed the 135,000 mark, according to the latest report of National Crime Records Bureau or NCRB. Road accidents are a human tragedy. It involves high human suffering and socio-economic costs in terms of premature deaths, injuries, loss of productivity etc. The problem of road safety remains acute in India. During the year 2011, there were around 4.98 lakh road accidents, which killed 1.42 lakh people and injured more than 5 lakh persons, many of whom are disabled for rest of their lives. These numbers translate into one road accident every minute, and one road accident death in less than four minutes. Sadly, many of these victims are young people, those who are economically active.
While trucks and two-wheelers were responsible for over 40 per cent of deaths, peak traffic during the afternoon and evening rush hours is the most dangerous time to be on the roads. Drunken driving is a major factor for road accidents .Campaigns against drunken driving have not proved effective.
Out of the estimated 1.4 million serious road accidents/collisions occurring annually in India, hardly 0.4 million are recorded. Further, only a minimal percentage of these collisions are scientifically investigated, in the absence of which, the real causes and consequences are never known. Therefore remedial measures as well as punishment for the violators are also arbitrary. On account of various political and socio-economic conditions, generally, the larger vehicles are often labelled the culprit in cases of vehicle-to-vehicle crashes. Road safety can only be improved when we understand the causes and consequences of road accidents/collisions so as to work out remedial measures.
WHAT I CAN DO
- even if the lights are green, on amber blinkers or more importantly if there are no lights. Make sure there are no speeding vehicles approaching the junction. If there are any, wait for them to pass.Never overtake the vehicle from the wrong side.
- Car drivers must wear a seat-belt, and bikers a helmet - even if you're only planning to travel a short distance. Most accident fatalities occur due to head and neck injuries, and a seat-belt/helmet provides a level of protection from these.
- If you are involved in a high-speed crash and are injured but conscious, do not move with a jerk or let anyone else move you forcibly. Remain calm, move out of the vehicle slowly and try to evaluate your injuries.
- Never be under intoxication while you drive. You are the custodian of so many lives and life is precious
- 80% victims do not receive any medical care within the golden time
- Road accidents in India are the leading cause of death in the age group 15-40, the most productive section of society.
- Bystanders are unable to provide any help due to fear of legal hassles and lack of training.
- Police is the first to respond in most cases but untrained to provide even basic first-aid to victims.
What can I do?
- If you witness or come across an accident, the least you can do is call the Police and ambulance service.
- learn how to help accident victims.
- Drive responsibly. An accident can change your life forever.
- Be mindful of emergency vehicles. Always give way to them.
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