According to the latest statistics, there were 609 accidents in Mumbai in 2010, which claimed 637 lives.
The 1988 Motor Vehicle Act that governs transport and traffic rules in India has become redundant and there is an immediate need to amend and upgrade offences under it regularly.
This observation was made by the working groups set up by the Ministry of Transport to suggest ways to curb the increasing number of accidents and fatalities.
According to the latest statistics, there were 609 accidents in Mumbai in 2010, which claimed 637 lives. In 2009, there were 607 fatal accidents in Mumbai, killing 628 people.
Road accident is one of the top nine reasons for deaths in the country. In Maharashtra, around 11,000 people die in road accidents every year.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways had formed five groups based on four Es of road safety — education, enforcement, engineering (roads as well as vehicles) and emergency care.
The groups have come up with solutions to curb the increasing number of deaths on roads. “Road safety is a complex issue of national concern, considering its magnitude and gravity and the consequent negative impact on the economy, public health and the general welfare of the people,” said a senior official.
With rising motorisation at 10% compound growth every year and expanding road network, travel risks and traffic exposure are growing at a much faster rate. “Today, road traffic injuries are one of the leading causes of deaths, disabilities and hospitalisations with severe socioeconomic costs,’’ the official added.
The working group on enforcement said the penalty structure of the Motor Vehicles Act 1988 had become redundant and fines were not a deterrent. “Penalties and fines for traffic offences should be increased. While revising the penalties, a clause needs to be inserted in the Amendment Act that every three years there should be a revision of fine based on consumer price index,’’ the group said.
The working group on education has recommended formulating a national road safety policy and supporting laws. “Fifty percent of fines collected should be spent for road safety activities,” it said.
The working group on engineering (roads) has called for a review of standards / guidelines and evolving guidelines with safety focus for National Highways and State Highways and developing Manuals on Traffic Control Devices. “Engineers involved in planning, design, construction and operation of highways must be trained in road safety,” it suggested.
There should be major improvements in vehicle designs and standardisation of bus, truck bodies and trailers to increase safety, said the working group on engineering (vehicles). “For effective planning and execution, there should be National Accident Research Centre (mother organisation) and data collection at State Accident Research Centres (daughter organisations),” it said.
The group for emergency care suggested review and audit of the existing schemes such as National Highway Trauma Care Project and deployment of a Pan-India Pre-Hospital Emergency Medical Care Network to ensure a primary crash response time of eight to 10 minutes.
“Setting up of Regional Referral Trauma Centres across the country supported by a heli-ambulance network to ensure speedy care to the severely injured is the need of the hour,” it added.
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