Roads are fast turning into death traps for youth. According to Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, a staggering 1.78 lakh people lose their lives in road accidents every year, with 60% of the victims being in the age group of 18 to 34 years.
These young lives, brimming with dreams and aspirations, are being snuffed out due to a lethal combination of negligence, lack of enforcement, and a disregard for traffic laws.
The statistics are not just numbers; they reflect a national tragedy. Road accidents are the leading cause of death for young people in India. For a country that prides itself on its demographic dividend, losing its most productive age group to preventable accidents is not just a social and economic loss but a moral failure.
Minister Gadkari’s statement in the Lok Sabha underscores the grim reality of road safety in India. He pointed out that many drivers and riders continue to flout basic traffic rules—whether by not wearing helmets, jumping red lights, or indulging in rash driving—demonstrating a blatant disregard for their safety and that of others. This lack of fear for the law stems from inadequate enforcement and a general culture of impunity.
India’s road safety crisis is multifaceted. Poor road infrastructure, a growing number of vehicles, lack of driver training, and ineffective policing are key contributors.
Roads, especially in urban areas, are often ill-designed, with poorly marked lanes, lack of pedestrian crossings, and inadequate lighting. In rural areas, the absence of dividers and encroachments exacerbate the problem.
Moreover, the mindset of road users also needs to change. Speeding, drunken driving, and using mobile phones while driving are rampant despite strict penalties under the amended Motor Vehicles Act, 2019.
The act has provisions for heavy fines and even imprisonment for violations, but the implementation remains patchy.
The fact that 60% of road accident victims belong to the 18-34 age group is alarming. This age group represents the future of the nation, contributing significantly to the workforce and economy. Their untimely deaths not only devastate families but also place a heavy economic burden on the nation in terms of healthcare costs, lost productivity, and social welfare. |
