National Road Safety Week 2024: History, 10 Road Safety Rules, Quotes, and India’s Rank in Road Safety

NATIONAL ROAD SAFETY WEEK 2024: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) annually organises the National Road Safety Week in India from January 11 to January 17, with the primary goal of promoting road safety practices. This dedicated week serves as an opportunity to educate individuals about the collective responsibility of ensuring road safety during their journeys.

Drivers are encouraged to prioritise caution, adopt safe driving practices, and follow essential road signs. The government actively conducts various activities such as seminars, and workshops, and offers free fatigue checks for truck drivers to enhance awareness and engagement in road safety initiatives.

India’s Rank in Road Safety

According to a report by Grant Thornton, India holds the unfortunate distinction of topping the global list of road accident-related fatalities, contributing to 11 per cent of such incidents worldwide. The year 2021 witnessed a staggering 4,12,432 road accidents in the country, resulting in the loss of 1,53,972 lives and causing injuries to 3,84,448 individuals.

National Road Safety Week: History

The origins of Road Safety Week date back to 1989, emerging as a response to the escalating number of road accidents and casualties and emphasising the importance of prioritising safety when travelling by any mode of transportation. The first National Road Safety Week was introduced by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

To tackle this problem, the central government also introduced the Motor Vehicles Amendment Bill in 2019 to improve road safety in Indian states. Several recommendations from the Group of State Transport Ministers were considered, and among the significant ones are increasing fines for rule-breakers, increasing the minimum compensation for deaths caused by accidents, extending the period for renewing driving licences, and so on.

National Road Safety Week 2024: Significance

Despite global stagnancy during COVID-19-induced restrictions and national lockdown, reports suggest that the death toll due to road accidents has reached 29,415 just between March and June. As a result, this National Road Safety Week is crucial to inform people about how to avoid such road accidents and the unfortunate consequences of ignoring safety measures on the road.

National Road Safety Week 2024 Quotes

1. “Safety is 30% Common Sense, 80% Compliance and the rest is good luck.” – Barry Spud
2. “Nothing is of greater importance that the conservation of human life.” – Calvin Coolidge
3. “Safety brings first aid to the uninjured.” – F.S. Hughes
4. “Faster is fatal, slower is safe.” ― Amit Kalantri
5. “The speedway ends at the cemetery.” – Unknown

National Road Safety Week 2024: Road Safety Rules

1. Keeping to the leftAdhering to road safety protocols is crucial, and one fundamental rule is to stay to the left in a two-way lane, whether you are walking or driving. When making a right turn, approach the center of the road first and then shift to the left side of the lane you are entering. This practice helps prevent collisions with vehicles approaching from the right and promotes safer driving habits.
2. Cross on Zebra CrossingThe alternating black and white stripes on roads are there for a reason. Wait till the traffic is clear and use these painted strips on the road when you cross a road on foot for your safety.
3. Drink and driveAmong the important road safety rules, driving or riding a vehicle when intoxicated is the strictest of all that you must avoid. Alcoholic beverages reduce our ability to focus, which prevents a person from being fully in control of the vehicle or their body movements.
4. Use of Mobile PhonesMobile phones are one of the biggest driving distractions that can cost lives. Hence, as per the traffic safety rules, keep your eye pinned to the road ahead and avoid using your mobile phone while driving, riding, or even walking on a busy road.
5. Gestures, horn and signalsUse hand gestures, indicators, and signals to communicate with vehicles and people on the road when you are slowing down, turning, or allowing some other vehicle to pass. Besides preventing fatal accidents, they play an essential role when you are driving in a no-honking zone.
6. Maintain distanceTo prevent a collision if the vehicle on the front suddenly slows down or stops without warning, adequate distance must be maintained between the two vehicles.
7. Protective gearsPrioritise safety and wear seat belts as a road safety precaution if you are riding a four-wheel vehicle, to prevent or reduce the severity of accidents for drivers. For two-wheelers, riders must wear ISI-certified helmets to protect against accidental injuries.
8. Crossing rulesSlow down while entering the main road, intersections, crossings, and turning corners. Wait until there is no moving traffic and do not hinder an oncoming vehicle.
9. Health issuesRoad safety rules demand that one should not drive if they are unwell or under medication that impairs their driving. Moreover, if you are exhausted, it is also advised not to drive to avoid accidents.
10. OvertakingAvoid overtaking another car by changing lanes in heavy traffic. Allow other vehicles to overtake you from the right and while overtaking, be on the right side of other vehicles.