India: Government Initiatives to Reduce Road Accidents and Safeguard Drivers

The Indian government has implemented a range of measures aimed at reducing the number of road accidents, particularly on national highways, which are a major concern. This article explores the government's actions, focusing on reducing unwarranted FIRs (First Information Reports), optimizing traffic signals, and enhancing speed enforcement methods.

Reducing Unwarranted FIRs Against Drivers

One of the significant issues in India is the filing of FIRs against drivers in cases where accidents occur due to pedestrian violations. Pedestrians crossing unauthorized zones and causing accidents have led to numerous FIRs being filed against drivers, leading to significant financial and time losses. This practice often results in lengthy legal processes, requiring drivers to travel to remote locations for hearings, hire legal representatives, and endure extended adjournments. These factors contribute to substantial financial and emotional stress for the drivers.

The Problem of FIRs and Implications

The problem arises because national highways do not have pedestrian crossings or speed breakers, making it essential for pedestrians to use underpasses, overbridges, or traffic signals. However, when accidents do occur, the burden of legal consequences often falls on the driver, who had the right of way, rather than the pedestrian who violated the rules.

Legislative and Policy Framework

To address this issue, the Indian government is pushing for changes in the legal framework. Proposals include:

Creating a rule or law that holds pedestrians accountable for accidents they cause in unauthorized zones, providing legal protection for drivers who have the right of way. Issuing guidelines that clearly stipulate the actions that can and must be taken in such cases, ensuring fair and just legal processes.

While these changes are being discussed, the government is also working on other fronts to enhance road safety and protect drivers.

Optimizing Traffic Signals for Efficiency

Efficient traffic signal management is crucial for reducing accidents on national highways. The Indian government has taken steps to adapt Automatic Traffic Signals (ATS) or Traffic Lights to adopt a traffic-activated mode during times of lower traffic flow. This adjustment aims to eliminate unnecessary halting of traffic, which can create frustration and incite risky behavior among drivers.

Benefits of Traffic Activated Mode

By employing traffic-activated signaling, the government aims to:

Reduce traffic congestion during periods of reduced traffic flow. Improve traffic flow, leading to a reduction in the probability of accidents. Provide a more efficient and less frustrating driving experience for all road users.

This initiative is part of a larger strategy to make national highways safer and more efficient for both pedestrians and drivers.

Enhancing Speed Enforcement Methods

Effective speed enforcement is another critical aspect of road safety on national highways. Instead of relying solely on speed traps and cameras, which can be costly and may not always be effective, the Indian government is exploring the use of rumble strips as a more practical and less intrusive form of speed enforcement.

The Role of Rumble Strips

Rumble strips are a cost-effective and non-invasive way to enforce speed limits. They alert drivers via vibrations and noise when they are driving beyond the speed limit, encouraging them to slow down without the need for speed cameras or speed traps. Here’s how rumble strips work and why they are a better option:

Cost-Effective: Rumble strips are much less expensive to install and maintain compared to speed cameras. Safer: They provide an immediate and audible alert to drivers, helping them to maintain the speed limit without the potential for legal or privacy issues associated with speed cameras. Less Invasive: Rumble strips do not infringe on privacy and do not require regular maintenance of camera systems, reducing costs and environmental impact.

Conclusion

The Indian government is proactively addressing road safety issues on national highways by implementing a range of measures. From reducing unwarranted FIRs to optimizing traffic signals and enhancing speed enforcement methods, these efforts aim to create safer and more efficient roads for all users. By focusing on these initiatives, the government is working towards a future where both drivers and pedestrians can navigate the roads with greater peace of mind and safety.