Despite making the law stricter and increasing the quantum of fines, accidents on roads have not been reduced. Growing deaths in road accidents is painful. School teachers, principals, and NOGs should impart in road traffic rules right from childhood. This was stated by Union Minister for Surface Transport Nitin Gadkari on Sunday.
Gadkari was talking during a programme on the ‘Road Safety Mission’ at Vanamati, here. Renowned film actor and social activist Nana Patekar interviewed Gadkari as a part of the mission. ‘You expressed concern over the inability to reduce accidents. But what we as common citizens should do? Patekar asked.
Gadkari said that every year more than five lakh accidents are reported, resulting in about 1.68 lakh deaths. Majority of those deaths (65%) are of youth between 18 and 34 years. In death of any young person the entire family suffers heavily. “We are searching for the root cause of accidents, and working out methods to reduce them.
Correction in mistakes or anomalies in planning and construction by engineers has been started. A total of 3,600 black spots have been identified, six airbags in a four-wheeler have been made mandatory, Bus Code has been made on Samruddhi Mahamarg. Volvo buses like those plying in Germany and England will be brought in India, Gadkari said. Besides these steps on the part of the government, generating awareness among the masses is important.
People jump traffic signals, refuse to use helmets, and talk on mobile phones while driving. The deterrence and respect for the law have diminished. If society takes initiative the accidents will reduce, Gadkari said. Changing the behavior of people is necessary, he added. He expressed hope that the problem can be solved by teaching traffic rules in schools and colleges
Gadkari expressed hope that people would cooperate. Most of the accidents occur because of jumping traffic signals, while crossing roads, not following lane discipline, and violating rules while overtaking.
A committee has been formed in which MPs have been included to work out methods for reducing accidents. People, however, should cooperate, he said.