Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has stated that road safety is a shared responsibility and active citizen participation is crucial to reduce fatalities on Indian roads. Speaking at an event, he highlighted that India continues to record nearly 5 lakh road accidents and around 1.80 lakh fatalities annually.
Gadkari's Call for Collective Action
Gadkari emphasized that the government alone cannot tackle this issue. He urged citizens to follow traffic rules, wear helmets and seat belts, and avoid drunk driving. He also called for better road infrastructure and stricter enforcement of traffic laws.
Key Statistics
- Nearly 5 lakh road accidents occur each year in India.
- Approximately 1.80 lakh fatalities are reported annually.
- Speeding, drunk driving, and lack of safety gear are major causes.
Way Forward
The minister stressed the need for awareness campaigns and community involvement. He suggested that local bodies and NGOs should partner with the government to promote road safety. He also advocated for the use of technology, such as speed cameras and automated challans, to improve compliance.
Gadkari concluded by saying that reducing road accidents is a national priority and everyone must contribute to making roads safer.
