Highways can be made safer

India’s highways are among the busiest in the world, yet they also rank among the most dangerous.

- DR O PRASADA RAO

According to “Data for India”, over 150,000 road accident deaths occurred in the country in 2022. However, Sample Registration System (SRS) estimates suggest the actual number may be closer to 270,000. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) publishes annual reports confirming that national highways and state highways together account for more than 60 per cent of total road fatalities. The reasons are multifaceted, involving human behaviour, infrastructure shortcomings, and systemic enforcement gaps.

One of the primary causes is over-speeding. Highways are designed for faster travel, but in India, speed limits are poorly enforced. Drivers often exceed safe speeds, which is highly dangerous, on stretches with minimal traffic or poor signages. This becomes deadly when combined with sudden curves, potholes, or unexpected obstacles like animals or pedestrians crossing the road.

Driver fatigue is another major contributor. Long-haul truck drivers and commercial vehicle operators frequently drive for extended hours without rest, leading to drowsiness and impaired judgment. Many lack formal training in defensive driving or fatigue management, increasing the risk of collisions.