Project Proposal

On
Administering Road Safety Advocacy
(Campaign for Road Safety and Traffic Control Programme)

Introduction:

Road accidents and the tragic loss of precious lives have become a common issue in India. Every
day, heartbreaking incidents occur due to the carelessness of road users. With the rapid growth of
population, industrialization, urbanization, and advancements in transportation technology, the
number of vehicles on the roads has increased significantly. Most people today depend on
vehicles for their daily needs.

Unfortunately, the lack of proper road infrastructure, inadequate driving skills, and poor
awareness of traffic rules have created numerous risks to life and property. In India, over
150,000 people lose their lives each year due to traffic accidents, amounting to about 400
fatalities daily. These figures are much higher compared to developed countries.

Efforts are being made to address this issue. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken steps to
reduce road accidents by implementing stricter traffic laws. Stricter penalties for traffic
violations have been proposed and passed in the Parliament. Additionally, around 75–80% of
cars in India are now being built to meet improved safety standards. Despite these measures,
road safety remains a critical concern. In 2017, there was a slight improvement, with road
accident fatalities decreasing by 3% compared to the previous year.

In Odisha, the situation is equally alarming. Statistics reveal that 21 accidents occur daily, with
seven lives lost on average. The increase in road traffic has far outpaced the development of road
infrastructure. For example, in 1961, Odisha had 16,800 motor vehicles, but by 2000, this
number skyrocketed to over 350,000, while the road length increased by just 7.4%. This
mismatch between traffic volume and road capacity has led to a significant rise in accidents over
the years.

The rural population, which forms more than 80% of India’s people, is particularly vulnerable
due to a lack of awareness about road safety. Children often play on the streets, unaware of the
dangers posed by vehicles. Similarly, pedestrians walk on the roads carelessly, and many drivers
disregard traffic rules due to ignorance or negligence. Rash driving, overtaking, drunk driving,
and the use of high-beam headlights at night further aggravate the problem.

It is essential to prioritize road safety education and raise awareness about the consequences of
careless driving. Reports submitted to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways emphasize
the need to address issues like drunk driving, speeding, and rash driving. To tackle this growing
crisis, the Women & Child Welfare Society has planned a "Road Safety Awareness Program"
across Odisha with support from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the Regional
Transport Authority, Cuttack.
Nature of the Project:

The project involves a Campaign for Road Safety and Traffic Control Programme.

Aim and Objectives of the Project:

The primary goal of this project is to raise awareness about road safety through campaigns and
rallies. The key objectives include:

1. Distributing leaflets, booklets, and posters containing valuable road safety information.
2. Designing banners and placards with impactful slogans.
3. Organizing symbolic activities like wearing eye caps to highlight safety measures.

This initiative aims to educate people, especially in rural areas, about the importance of
following traffic rules and adopting safe practices on the road. Together, we can work towards
reducing road accidents and creating safer roads for everyone.

Causes of Road Accidents:

Road accidents occur due to several factors, often a combination of human error, poor road
infrastructure, and vehicle-related issues. Understanding these causes is essential to address the
problem effectively.

1. Overspeeding

Driving beyond the recommended speed limits reduces reaction time and increases the severity
of accidents. Higher speeds make it harder to control vehicles and avoid collisions.

2. Distracted Driving

Using mobile phones or other electronic devices while driving diverts attention from the road.
Even a few seconds of distraction can lead to serious accidents.

3. Drunk Driving

Consumption of alcohol impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time. Drunk driving is one
of the leading causes of fatal road accidents worldwide.

4. Poor Road Conditions

Potholes, uneven road surfaces, and inadequate lighting make driving risky, especially at night.
These issues often lead to accidents in both urban and rural areas.
5. Neglect of Traffic Rules

Many accidents occur when traffic rules are ignored, such as jumping red lights, not wearing seat
belts, or riding without helmets. Non-compliance with road regulations significantly increases
accident risks.

Statistics:

 Human Error: Over 70% of road accidents in India are caused by human mistakes, including
reckless and distracted driving.
 Bad Infrastructure: Around 15% of accidents are linked to poor road conditions, highlighting the
need for better infrastructure.

These alarming statistics emphasize the importance of awareness and adherence to traffic rules to
ensure road safety for everyone.

Ensuring road safety is a shared responsibility. Both drivers and pedestrians must follow safety
guidelines to prevent accidents. Additionally, government initiatives play a crucial role in
promoting safer roads.

For Drivers

1. Always Wear Seat Belts

Seat belts significantly reduce the risk of injury during accidents. Buckling up should
always be a priority.
2. Avoid Using Mobile Phones While Driving
Stay focused on the road. Avoid calls or texting, as distractions can lead to severe
accidents.
3. Follow Speed Limits and Road Signs
Obey speed limits and respect traffic signs to maintain safety for yourself and others.

For Pedestrians

1. Use Footpaths and Pedestrian Crossings

Always walk on footpaths and cross roads at designated pedestrian crossings to avoid
mishaps.
2. Avoid Jaywalking
Do not cross roads recklessly or from undesignated points. Look for zebra crossings or
overpasses for safe crossing.
Government Initiatives

1. Stricter Traffic Laws Under the Motor Vehicles Act

The revised Motor Vehicles Act imposes harsher penalties for violations, ensuring better
compliance with traffic rules.
2. Road Safety Awareness Campaigns
Initiatives like "Safe Drive, Save Life" aim to educate citizens about the importance of
road safety through rallies, advertisements, and public programs.

By following these measures and supporting government efforts, we can collectively reduce road
accidents and make our streets safer for everyone.

The Government constituted a Committee under the Chairmanship of Shri S. Sundar, Former
Secretary (Most) in the year 2005 to deliberate and make recommendations on creation of a
dedicated body on road safety and traffic management. The Committee was also subsequently
requested to finalize a draft National Road Safety Policy for consideration of the Government.
The Committee while submitting its report in February, 2007 inter alia, recommended a draft
National Road Safety Policy. Based on the recommendations of Sunder Committee, the Union
Cabinet on 15.03.2010 approved National Road Safety Policy. The National Road Safety Policy
outlines the policy initiatives to be framed / taken by the Government at all levels to improve the
road safety activities in the country. The National Road Safety Policy is as under :-

Preamble:

 The Government of India is deeply concerned about the growth in the number of road
accidents, injuries and fatalities in recent years. It recognizes that road accidents have now
become a major public health issue, and the victims are mainly the poor and vulnerable road
users.
 The Government of India further recognizes that as road accidents involve roads, motor
vehicles as also the human beings, road safety needs to be addressed on a holistic basis. It
also recognizes that regardless of jurisdiction*-s, the Central and State Governments have a
joint responsibility in reducing the incidence of road accidents, injuries and fatalities.
 In the light of this, the Government of India, through this National Road Safety Policy, states
its commitment to bring about a significant reduction in mortality and morbidity resulting from
road accidents.
Policy Statements:

 In order to achieve a significant improvement in road safety, the Government of India is

committed to:
 Raise Awareness about Road Safety Issues
 The Government would increase its efforts to promote awareness about the various aspects
of road safety, the social and economic implications of road accidents and what needs to be
 done to curb the rising menace of road accidents. This would enable and empower the
different stakeholders to play a meaningful role in promoting road safety.

Establish a Road Safety Information Database:

 The Government will provide assistance to local bodies, Union Territories and States to
improve the quality of crash investigation and of data collection, transmission and analysis. A
National Road Safety Information System will be established for providing continuity and
policy guidelines to this activity.

Ensure Safer Road Infrastructure:

 The Government will take measures to review standards pertaining to safety in the design of
rural and urban roads and bring them in consonance with international best practices
keeping in view Indian traffic conditions. Continuing application of Intelligent Transport
Systems (ITS) under a national framework to establish a safe and efficient transport system
will be encouraged.

Safer Vehicles:

 The Government will take steps to ensure that safety features are built in at the stage of
design, manufacture, usage, operation and maintenance of both motorized and non-
motorized vehicles in line with international standards and practices in order to minimize
adverse safety and environmental effects of vehicle operation on road users (including
pedestrians and bicyclists) and infrastructure.

Safer Drivers:

 The Government will strengthen the system of driver licensing and training to improve the
competence and capability of drivers.

Ensure Safer Road Infrastructure:

 The Government will take measures to review standards pertaining to safety in the design of
rural and urban roads and bring them in consonance with international best practices
keeping in view Indian traffic conditions. Continuing application of Intelligent Transport
Systems (ITS) under a
Safety of Vulnerable Road Users:

 The design and construction of all road facilities (rural and urban) will take into account the
needs of non-motorized transport and the vulnerable and physically challenged in an
appropriate manner. The Government will seek to disseminate ‘best practices’ in this regard
to town planners, architects, and highway and traffic engineers.
 National framework to establish a safe and efficient transport system will be encouraged.

Road Traffic Safety Education and Training:

 Road safety knowledge and awareness will be created amongst the population through
education, training and publicity campaigns. Road safety education will also focus on school
children and college going students, while road safety publicity campaigns will be used to
propagate good road safety practices among the community. The Government will
encourage all professionals associated with road design, road construction, road network
management, traffic management and law enforcement to attain adequate knowledge of
road safety issues.

Enforcement of Safety Laws:

 The Government will take appropriate measures to assist various state and other
governments to strengthen and improve the quality of enforcement in order to ensure
effective and uniform implementation of safety laws. The Government will actively encourage
the establishment and strengthening of highway Patrolling on National and State Highways
in cooperation with State Governments and Union Territories as appropriate.

Emergency Medical Services for Road Accidents:

 The Government will strive to ensure that all persons involved in road accidents benefit from
speedy and effective trauma care and management. The essential functions of such a
service would include the provision of rescue operation and administration of first aid at the
site of an accident and the transport of the victim from accident site to nearby hospital.
Hospitals alongside the National Highways and State Highways would be adequately
equipped to provide for trauma care and rehabilitation.
HRD & Research for Road Safety:

 The Government will encourage increased activity in programmes of road safety research by
identifying priority areas, funding research in those areas adequately and establishing
centers of excellence in research and academic institutions. The Government will facilitate
dissemination of the result of research and identified examples of good practices through
publication, training, conferences, workshops and websites.

Strengthening Enabling Legal, Institutional and Financial Environment for

Road Safety:

 The Government will take appropriate measures to ensure that the required legal,
institutional and financial environment for road safety is further strengthened and a
mechanism for effective coordination of various stakeholders is put in place. The reforms in
these areas would provide for the active and extensive participation of the community at
large, of the private sector, academia and NGOs.

Implementation Strategy:

 Implementation Strategy The Government has decided to establish a dedicated agency viz.
a National Road Safety Board to oversee the issues related to road safety and evolve
effective strategies for implementation of the Road Safety Policy. The Government has also
decided to establish a National Road Safety Fund to finance road activities through the
allocation of a certain percentage of the cess on gasoline and diesel.
 Conclusion

Road safety is not merely the responsibility of the government or law enforcement agencies—it
is a shared duty that requires the active involvement of every individual. The increasing number
of road accidents and fatalities is a grave concern that cannot be ignored. By understanding the
value of responsible behavior on the road and making safety a personal priority, we can help
mitigate these tragedies and save countless lives.

Small actions like wearing seat belts, obeying speed limits, and refraining from using mobile
phones while driving can make a significant difference. These actions may seem minor, but
collectively, they have the power to transform our roads into safer spaces. Pedestrians must also
play their part by following road safety rules, such as using footpaths and pedestrian crossings.
Each person’s role is essential, as road safety is a collective effort where the safety of one
depends on the responsibility of another.

Educational institutions, community organizations, and workplaces must also contribute by

promoting road safety awareness. Campaigns, workshops, and programs can serve as effective
tools to highlight the consequences of careless driving and the benefits of adhering to traffic
laws. By integrating road safety education into our daily lives, we can foster a culture of
responsibility and caution.

In addition, technological advancements like well-maintained roads, safer vehicles, and

improved traffic management systems play a crucial role in reducing accidents. However, these
measures can only be effective when paired with disciplined behavior from road users. The
combination of individual responsibility, community awareness, and government efforts can
create a strong foundation for safer roads.

Road safety is not just about following rules; it’s about valuing human life and understanding the
far-reaching consequences of our actions. Reckless driving, distractions, and negligence can lead
to irreversible tragedies, causing pain and loss to families and communities. By choosing to
prioritize safety, we not only protect ourselves but also contribute to the well-being of others
around us.

Let us remember that every life saved is a step toward a better society. Road safety is a reflection
of our collective responsibility and care for one another. Together, we can build a future where
roads are safe, accidents are rare, and every journey is secure and peaceful.