India 2023 Road Accident Report: Ministry of Road Transport and Highways

Main Conclusions of Report

Increase in Traffic Accidents & Fatalities: In 2023, road incidents in India rose by 4.2% compared to the previous year, totaling 480,583 occurrences. These incidents resulted in 172,890 fatalities – the most ever documented.

The death toll increased by 2.6% from 2022, while 462,825 individuals sustained injuries – a rise of 4.4%.

Rise in Deadly Accidents: Deadly road accidents rose from 1,55,781 in 2022 to 1,60,509 in 2023, indicating a 3.04% increase.

These represented 33.4% of all incidents, with a fatal incident defined as one resulting in two or more fatalities.

Who is at Greatest Risk?

Young Adults (ages 18–45): Represented 66.4% of deaths;

Working Age Group (18–60 years): Composed of 83.4% of overall fatalities;

Two-Wheeler Operators: Accounted for 44.8% of total deaths;

Pedestrians account for almost 20% of fatalities;

Kids: More than 9,489 lives have been taken in 2023 alone;

Main Reasons for Traffic Collisions

Exceeding speed limits (68%): The primary reason for deaths. Exceeding speed limits diminishes reaction time and heightens severity of impacts.

Driving on the Incorrect Side (5.5%): Encompasses driving against the flow on one-way streets or passing from the left side. Frequently results in frontal crashes.

Distracted Driving: Engaging with mobile phones, consuming food, or modifying settings while operating a vehicle greatly increases the likelihood of accidents.

Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol affects decision-making, response times, and motor skills, presenting an ongoing hazard.

Subpar Road Conditions: Potholes, unmarked speed bumps, and insufficient signage raise the chances of accidents, particularly in rural regions.

Vehicle Malfunctions: Brake failures, tire blowouts, and various mechanical problems can lead to a loss of control.

Weather and Visibility: Reduced visibility and traction due to fog, rain, and low light conditions result in an increase in accidents.

Ignoring Safety Equipment: Failure to use helmets or seatbelts significantly raises the chances of severe injuries.

Main Initiatives for Road Safety in India

Road safety as a basic right: The entitlement to secure road travel is a vital aspect of the right to life according to Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.

Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP): It offers safety ratings for passenger vehicles, enabling consumers to make well-informed choices.

Vehicle Scrapping Initiative: The government has launched a vehicle scrapping initiative, featuring 44 Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities in 15 states, aimed at eliminating unsafe vehicles from the roads.

Electronic Enforcement Tools: Speed detectors, CCTV monitoring, and automated traffic regulation systems have been implemented to enhance adherence to road safety rules.

Emergency Care Initiatives: The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 established a cashless treatment program for accident victims in the crucial golden hour, guaranteeing prompt medical assistance.

Focused Actions of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH):

Correction of more than 5,000 hazardous areas on roadways;

Compulsory road safety evaluations to examine high-risk zones;

More stringent vehicle safety regulations, such as airbags and anti-lock brake systems;

Electronic monitoring tools like speed cameras and CCTV systems to enhance adherence;

District-wide driver education and vehicle maintenance centers to lower incidents resulting from inexperienced driving;

Worldwide Initiatives

Declaration of Brasilia (2015): It outlined the necessary actions required to meet the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’s goal (Target 3.6) of reducing road traffic fatalities by 50% by the conclusion of this decade.

United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety (2021–2030): Its goal is to reduce fatalities from road traffic accidents by 50% by 2030.

It corresponds with the Stockholm Declaration (2020).

World Bank Report (2020): It projects that an extra $109 billion is needed in the next ten years to accomplish a 50% decrease in road accident deaths.