National Road Safety Week 2023: Why it is important to be alert on the road

India is home to 1 per cent of world’s vehicles, while it accounts for almost 10 per cent of all crash related deaths. Pic/iStock

Every year, National Road Safety Week is observed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways from January 11 to January 17. According to "Traffic Crash Injuries and Disabilities: The Burden on Indian Society", a report published by the World Bank in 2021, road accident deaths in India are among the highest in the world. To outline the nature of the roads, it is important to note that India is home to only 1 per cent of world's vehicles, while it accounts for almost 10 per cent of all crash related deaths. Needless to say, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists are among the least protected, and account for nearly half of the deaths, as per the World Bank report.

Road safety is a matter of public health concern, and of significant importance to the government. With the goal of reducing the number of accidents due to speeding, potholes, carelessness, and drunk driving, this awareness week is organised every year. During the course of the week, various activities are organised across the nation with the aim of creating, and spreading awareness among the masses, and to allow stakeholders at all levels to participate and contribute to this cause.

History of National Road Safety Week

The first National Road Safety Week was organized in 1989 by the National Safety Council which was established by the Ministry of Labour in 1966. In 2023, the National Road Safety Week is in its 34^th edition.

Theme of National Road Safety Week 2023

While the theme of last year's road safety week was ‘Sadak Suraksha - Jeevan Raksha' and focussed on how safety on roads equates to life longevity, the theme of National Road Safety Week 2023 is ‘Parvah krenge surakshit rahenge' to promote the cause of safer roads for all.

Initiatives and activities

According to the press release issued by the government, numerous activities across educational institutions, and students have been planned. Essay writing, and poster making competitions for school students, exhibitions, and theatre done by non-governmental organisations and public sector undertakings are all scheduled. The goal is to reach out to as many drivers and road users in general.

The ministry is engaging the public with activities such as street plays, as well as sensitisation campaigns at multiple locations in New Delhi. Interactions, and walks with senior officers are also scheduled to be held at Indian Agricultural Research Institute in New Delhi.

Road owning agencies including National Highways Authority of India, and National Highways, and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited are organising special drives pertaining to compliance of traffic rules and regulation, as well as pedestrian safety, eye check-up camps for drivers.

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