Every 3.6 minutes, a life is lost on Indian roads. With 400 lives lost daily and 1.5 lakh fatalities annually, India holds the unenviable record of the highest number of road accident deaths globally. This tenfold increase in accidents since the 1970s underscores the insufficiency of current measures to curb this crisis.
The World Bank reports that 13 lakh people have died, and 50 lakh sustained injuries in road crashes in the last decade alone. Adding to the tragedy is the staggering economic burden of ₹12.9 lakh crores, which plunges countless families into poverty and debt. Reckless driving, lack of enforcement, and drunk driving remain key contributors to this ongoing disaster.
The Way Forward
Addressing India’s road safety crisis requires immediate action. Improved road infrastructure, stricter enforcement of traffic laws, and targeted road safety education are imperative. Crackdowns on drunk driving, coupled with awareness campaigns and legislative reforms, can save thousands of lives annually.
Let us unite to make India’s roads safer. Every effort count, and every life matters.