Roadmap for Answer Writing

1. Introduction 

• Context Setting: Briefly introduce the topic by mentioning the advancements in India’s road infrastructure, such as the expansion of the national highway network and rural roads under schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana.
• Thesis Statement: State that despite these advancements, road safety remains a major concern due to various challenges.

2. Road Safety Issues in India 

• High Rate of Accidents: Cite the rising road accident fatalities and how road safety continues to be a challenge despite infrastructure improvements.
  • Fact: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways reported a 9% increase in deaths from road accidents in 2022 compared to the previous year.
• Violations of Traffic Rules: Highlight common causes such as speeding, riding without helmets, drunk driving, and driving on the wrong side.
  • Fact: Over speeding accounted for 72.3% of the total road accidents in 2022.
• Vulnerable Road Users: Discuss the lack of proper pedestrian infrastructure and how this impacts road safety.
  • Fact: 20,000 pedestrians and 5,000 cyclists were killed in road accidents in 2022.
• Inadequate Enforcement: Mention the issues with enforcing traffic laws and the lack of consistency in issuing driving licenses across states.

3. Government Initiatives to Improve Road Safety 

• National Road Safety Board (NRSB): Discuss its role in setting standards for road safety and traffic management.
  • Fact: Established in 2021 to focus on road safety, though its chairman was appointed in 2023.
• Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019: Talk about the increased fines and penalties for traffic violations aimed at discouraging unsafe driving behavior.
  • Fact: The Act increases fines for violations like over-speeding and drunk driving, but implementation remains weak due to limited police resources.
• Good Samaritan Law: Discuss how this law protects citizens who assist accident victims, and the challenges due to lack of awareness.
  • Fact: Though introduced in 2019, many Good Samaritans still face harassment from police and hospitals due to lack of awareness.
• Road Safety Awareness Campaigns: Mention initiatives like National Road Safety Week and the establishment of driving training centers to promote awareness and educate the public.

4. Challenges in Implementation 

• Discuss the challenges in the effective enforcement of road safety laws and the cultural reluctance to follow traffic rules.
• Mention the insufficient traffic police-to-population ratio and how it hampers law enforcement.
• Highlight the need for better pedestrian infrastructure and how violations such as over-speeding continue to remain a significant concern.

5. Conclusion 

• Summarize the importance of addressing road safety through stricter enforcement of laws, better public awareness, and improved infrastructure.
• Conclude with the need for a holistic approach, combining government initiatives and public participation, to reduce road fatalities.

Relevant Facts for the Answer:

1. Road Network and Infrastructure:
   • The total length of National Highways increased by over 59% between 2013-14 and 2022-23.
   • More than 3.5 lakh kilometers of rural roads were constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana.
2. Road Accident Statistics:
   • Road accident deaths increased by 9% in 2022 compared to the previous year (Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, 2022).
   • Over speeding accounted for 72.3% of the road accidents in 2022.
   • 20,000 pedestrians and over 5,000 cyclists died in road accidents in 2022.
3. Government Initiatives:
   • The National Road Safety Board was established in 2021 to focus on standards for road safety and traffic management.
   • The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, increases fines for traffic violations, but its implementation remains weak.
   • The Good Samaritan Law (Section 134A of the Motor Vehicles Act, 2019) aims to protect citizens assisting accident victims, though it faces awareness issues.
   • National Road Safety Week and driving training centers are part of government campaigns to promote road safety.

By following this roadmap, you can structure your answer logically while incorporating relevant facts and government initiatives that highlight the challenges and efforts in improving road safety in India.