62 Pedestrians Die Daily in India
Lack of pedestrian safety in India has led to an increase in pedestrian deaths. Watch the video for the details.
In recent years, roads have become extremely dangerous. There are no rules that help to protect the common man. According to the road accident report by the Union Transport Ministry, the number of pedestrian deaths has increased by 84% between 2014 to 2018. In 2016 there were 34 pedestrian deaths and in 2018 this number increased to 62 deaths daily. The report said that the total number of pedestrians killed in India in 2014 was 12,330 and in 2018 it was 22,656. In 2018 West Bengal had the highest number of pedestrian deaths. There were 2,618 deaths followed by Maharashtra 2,515 and then Andhra Pradesh with 1,569.
A road safety expert said that while planning roads or while preparing traffic movement plans a pedestrians rights are not thought of. In countries across the world a lot of importance is given to the pedestrian while planning roads. In India as well we have the Motor Vehicle Driving Regulation that governs road safety as well as pedestrian safety. It includes laws for the safety of pedestrians however none of it is enforced. The government is only focussed on how to make roads better for the vehicles and have completely ignored the safety of the citizens.
Footpaths all over India are becoming narrower day by day and they are forced to walk on the main road.
The government needs to pay more attention to the safety of the pedestrians. However this is not the sole responsibility of the government. Drivers must also be careful while driving and follow all the traffic rules.
