"53 accidents, 19 deaths each hour": Nitin Gadkari raises alarm over road safety

  • Speaking at the SIAM annual convention, Nitin Gadkari has urged manufacturers to start driver-training schools of their own.
Car accident
File photo of a vehicle involved in an accident in Kochi, Kerala.
Car accident
File photo of a vehicle involved in an accident in Kochi, Kerala.

India leads the list of countries with the maximum number of road accidents and consequent deaths in the world. And while the Indian automobile industry has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years, Nitin Gadkari has chosen yet again to also point at measures that can make roads here safer for motorists as well as pedestirians. Speaking at the 64th annual conference of Society for Indian Automobile Manufacturers in New Delhi on Tuesday, the Union Minister for Road Transportation and Highways urged all stakeholders to also concentrate efforts to bring down instances of accidents.

Also Read : Not against petrol or diesel engines, says Gadkari

Gadkari has time and again stressed on the need to have safer roads for all in the country. On Tuesday, he also urged manufacturers to establish driving schools to ensure that those in control of automobiles are aware of local rules and regulations, as well as skilled to be driving or riding vehicles. “There are nearly 53 accidents and 19 deaths every hour in our country. Just imagine. 45 per cent of accidents because of two-wheelers, 20 per cent in pedestrians," he pointed out before urging OEMs to also contribute towards bringing these numbers down. “I really request you all to take interest in starting driver-training schools. Then we can train good drivers and it can be a really positive solution."

Also check these Vehicles

Find more Cars
Harley-davidson Road Glide Special (HT Auto photo)
Engine Icon1868.0 cc Mileage Icon16.3 kmpl
₹ 34.99 - 40.49 Lakhs
Compare
View Offers
Indian Challenger (HT Auto photo)
Engine Icon1768 cc Mileage Icon18 kmpl
₹ 36.97 - 39.99 Lakhs
Compare
View Offers
Harley-davidson Street Glide Special (HT Auto photo)
Engine Icon1868.0 cc Mileage Icon16.3 kmpl
₹ 31.99 - 37.49 Lakhs
Compare
View Offers
Indian Chieftain (HT Auto photo)
UPCOMING
Engine Icon1811.0 cc Mileage Icon20.0 kmpl
₹ 32.01 Lakhs
Alert Me When Launched
Indian Springfield Dark Horse (HT Auto photo)
Engine Icon1890.0 cc Mileage Icon20.0 kmpl
₹ 28.57 Lakhs
Compare
Bmw K 1600 Gtl (HT Auto photo)
Engine Icon1649.0 cc Mileage Icon16.9 kmpl
₹ 28.75 - 33 Lakhs
Compare
View Offers

Also Read : Watch out parents, heavy penalty for you if your minor chid drives a car

Gadkari, while also admitting that his department has started working on faulty road constructions and signage, further underlined the need for safer vehicles and highlighted the importance of Bharat NCAP. “Bharat NCAP will ensure healthy competition between manufacturers to have safer vehicles for customers."

Bharat NCAP or New Car Assessment Program is India's very own crash-safety ratings for vehicles sold in the market here. On Global NCAP lines, it will award a perfect five-star rating to any vehicle found to offer the highest safety rating in case of a crash.It will rate each car model on the basis of adult occupant protection, child occupant protection and safety equipment on board.

Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape.

First Published Date: 10 Sep 2024, 13:22 PM IST
NEXT ARTICLE BEGINS

Check Latest Offers

Please provide your details to get Personalized Offers

Choose city
+91 | Choose city
Choose city
Select a dealer

Want to get the best price for your existing car?

Powered by: Spinny Logo
By clicking "View Offers" you Agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy
Dear Name

Please verify your mobile number.

+91 | Choose city
Couldn't verify the OTP.
It's either expired or it's incorrect.