India’s roads are very dangerous for people on foot. A new global report just showed this clearly. The World Health Organization released its “Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023.” It reveals a grim picture for India. This report is trending now. It highlights a critical issue. We need safer streets today.
Sadly, India sees over 150,000 road accident deaths each year. Pedestrians and cyclists make up about one-third of these lives lost. This is a huge number. Globally, road deaths dropped by 5% from 2010 to 2021. But India did not follow this trend. Deaths here actually went up by 15% in that same period. This makes India a concerning hotspot for road safety. Why is our country struggling so much?
Pedestrian Safety: India’s Urgent Road Crisis
Experts point to bad city planning. Our infrastructure often ignores people walking. Footpaths are frequently broken. Sometimes, cars park right on them. Many road crossings lack proper signals. Zebra crossings are often not respected by drivers. Road designs usually put vehicles first. They forget about people’s safety. This leads to many preventable accidents. It’s a serious problem right now. What can be done?
The global report stresses clear steps. We must design roads for everyone. This means “complete streets.” These roads safely include walkers, cyclists, and drivers. They need separate walking lanes. Also, speed limits must be lower. Police need to enforce rules better. This will help save lives. You deserve safe places to walk.
Cities like Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Delhi have many pedestrian deaths. This shows the problem is widespread. The WHO report calls for urgent action. India’s government has also tried to help. The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act 2019 aimed to improve safety. But its implementation needs to be stronger. We need real change on the ground.
Fixing Our Roads: Smarter City Plans Needed
Making roads safe needs a full plan. First, city planners must think about pedestrians. They should create wide, clear footpaths. These paths must be free from obstacles. Second, intersections need better signals. Clear zebra crossings are also vital. Drivers must learn to respect these zones. Education campaigns can help here. Do you feel safe walking in your city?
Local authorities play a big role. They must build roads differently. This includes adding key safety features:
- Creating pedestrian islands at crossings.
- Building safer crosswalks with ramps.
- Installing better lighting at night.
- Using speed cameras to slow down traffic.
These small changes make a big difference. They help protect everyone. Check what your local government is doing. You can find more information on initiatives from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
The goal is zero road deaths. This might seem hard. But it is possible with smart planning. Every city must review its road designs. They need to put people first. Let’s make India’s roads safe for all. Your voice matters in this effort. We need safer streets for a better future.
