FICCI-CRISIL Knowledge Report on 'Collaborative Approaches to Improving Road Safety in India: The Role of Stakeholders'
The FICCI-CRISIL Knowledge Report emphasizes the crucial role of various stakeholders—government bodies, private sector players, civil society organizations, and individuals—in creating a safer road environment. It underscores that road safety is a collective responsibility, not just the duty of a single entity. The report calls for the implementation of stricter regulations, improvements in road infrastructure, enhanced driver education, and the promotion of a safety culture. Each stakeholder has a vital role in reducing road accidents and saving lives.
As we progress, the report serves as a call to action for all stakeholders. The insights and recommendations provided are not merely guidelines but essential imperatives and best practices. By collaborating, we can establish a safer, more responsible, and resilient road network that supports national growth while protecting our most valuable resource—our people. This collective effort is key to fostering a road environment that prioritizes safety and responsibility.
Key Takeaways
- India records the highest number of road accident fatalities globally, with 168,491 deaths in 2022, averaging one death every four minutes
- Road accidents cost India 3.14% of GDP annually, amounting to nearly Rs 5 lakh crore in losses
- Vulnerable groups such as pedestrians and two-wheeler riders account for around 60% of fatalities, disproportionately impacting low- and middle-income households
- The majority of victims are aged 18–45, representing the most economically productive segment of the population
- Over speeding is the leading cause of accidents, responsible for more than 70% of fatalities, followed by wrong-side driving, drunk driving, and mobile phone use
- National highways, though limited in length, account for over one-third of fatalities, highlighting infrastructure and design challenges
- Case studies such as Odisha’s Project SuVahak, Karnataka’s Safe Corridor Demonstration, and Kerala’s Sabarimala Safe Zone show effective interventions across the 4Es: engineering, enforcement, education, and emergency care
- Industry initiatives like automated driving test tracks and ADAS technologies are strengthening driver training and vehicle safety
- Collaboration among government, industry, civil society, and individuals is emphasized as critical to reducing fatalities
- Recommendations include speed control systems, GIS-based crash data mapping, robust post-crash care, creation of state road safety action plans, and a National Safety Index
- The report aligns with India’s commitment under the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety to halve fatalities by 2030, calling for systemic reforms and shared responsibility across stakeholders