Thousands of people lose their lives in road accidents in India every month, while millions suffer serious injuries and permanent disabilities. Governments have tightened traffic rules, increased fines, and tried to strengthen surveillance systems. Yet, there has not been the expected reduction in the number of accidents. This clearly means that road safety cannot be ensured solely by stricter laws. Equal attention must be paid to infrastructure, driver training, vehicle safety, emergency medical services, effective enforcement, and people-centric transport policies.
First and foremost, there is a need to focus on the condition of roads. Even today, broken roads, potholes, incomplete construction work, poorly designed intersections, faded signboards, and inadequate lighting at night are causes of accidents. On many national highways, there are neither safe paths for pedestrians nor proper footpaths or zebra crossings. If the infrastructure itself is not safe, blaming only the drivers cannot be the solution.
Driver training is also a crucial link. A driving license should not just be a document, but a certificate of one's ability to drive safely. Defensive driving, lane discipline, understanding of traffic rules, and responsibility towards pedestrians should be made a mandatory part of training. There is a need to raise awareness about road safety in schools and colleges so that responsible driving becomes a habit. Vehicle safety cannot be ignored either. Airbags, anti-lock braking systems, strong body structures, and other safety features play a significant role in saving lives during accidents. Simultaneously, regular checks for old and unfit vehicles must be strictly enforced. Safety should not be compromised for the sake of a vehicle's price.
Timely medical assistance after an accident is equally important. The first hour, known as the 'Golden Hour', can make the difference between life and death. However, in many areas, there is still a shortage of ambulance services, trauma centers, and expert medical care. Many lives are lost due to delays in treatment rather than the accident itself. Therefore, the emergency medical system needs to be made an integral part of road safety. The enforcement system for laws also needs to be made more effective. High fines alone cannot stop accidents. Fair compliance with rules can be ensured through automatic cameras, digital surveillance, and continuous monitoring. Along with this, people should have the assurance that traffic rules are for their safety, not just for collecting fines.
While discussing road safety, it is essential to consider other transport-related policies. E-20 fuel, which is petrol blended with 20 percent ethanol, is being promoted in the country. Its goal is to reduce crude oil imports, curb pollution, and increase demand for ethanol for farmers. These goals are important, but every policy impacts the common man's pocket. Ethanol has less energy than pure petrol, which can lead to lower mileage in many vehicles. This means more fuel is required to cover the same distance, and the extra cost is ultimately borne by the common consumer. If policies are made for the country's energy security, it must be ensured that their economic burden does not fall solely on common people. Vehicle manufacturers need to make E-20 compatible engines more efficient.
Road safety in India is a multi-dimensional challenge, the solution to which lies not only in strict laws but in better roads, competent drivers, safe vehicles, prompt emergency services, effective enforcement, and transport policies that protect the interests of common citizens alongside national interests. A developed India should be recognized not just by wide roads, but by roads where every journey is safe and the cost of development is distributed justly.

- Davinder Kumar