In a determined move towards enhancing road safety, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has declared a topmost priority for the government—to reduce accident deaths by 50% by the year 2030. 

Speaking at the CII National Conclave on ‘Road Safety - Indian Roads@2030 - Raising the Bar of Safety,’ Gadkari underscored the significance of altering social behavior and fortifying the '4Es of Road Safety'—Engineering (Road & Vehicle Engineering), Enforcement, Education, and Emergency Medical Service.

Gadkari stressed the need for collective efforts from all stakeholders in order to achieve this ambitious road safety goal.

According to the latest Road Accidents Report for 2022, there were 4.6 lakh road accidents, resulting in 1.68 lakh deaths and 4 lakh serious injuries. Shockingly, every hour witnesses 53 road accidents and 19 fatalities.

The Union Minister highlighted a concerning increase of 12% in road accidents and a 10% rise in road accident deaths, leading to a socio-economic loss of 3.14% to the GDP. He drew attention to the fact that 60% of these deaths occurred in the young age group of 18 to 35 years, emphasizing the broader impact on families, employers, and the economy as a whole.

Gadkari revealed that a successful initiative in Nagpur involved a reward system for citizens exhibiting good traffic behavior, yielding positive results.

Additionally, he advocated for regular eye check-ups for drivers and urged organizations to conduct free camps as part of their corporate social responsibility.

The Union Minister emphasized the importance of education and awareness, calling for collaboration with schools, colleges, NGOs, startups, technology providers, IITs, universities, traffic, and highway authorities. Gadkari's comprehensive approach aims to spread good practices for road safety, setting the foundation for a safer and more responsible road ecosystem.

The government's commitment to reducing road accidents aligns with a holistic strategy that not only addresses immediate concerns but also promotes a cultural shift towards responsible and safe road behavior.