IRF calls upon auto makers in country to add more advanced safety features into vehicles

New Delhi December 31, 2016 Geneva based International Road Federation,(IRF) a global body pursuing the mission of safe roads and safe road mobility world wide expressing concern at India accounting for highest number of road deaths in the world has urged the Indian Government ,auto makers and motorists to usher in new year 2017 to meet the United Nations set target of reducing road accidents by 50 % by the year 2020.

“At present India accounts for 11 Per cent of global road accidents with more than 1.46 lakh fatalities annually, highest in the world . As a signatory to UN’s Brasilia Declaration, India is committed to reducing the number of road accidents and fatalities by 50 % by 2020. Although efforts in this direction had started earlier, the year 2016 saw the Ministry taking major steps towards fulfilling this commitment.” said Mr K K Kapila,Chairman, International Road Federation (IRF).

“According to a World Bank study, road deaths have gone up by 53% in India in the last 10 years starting from 2005. Young people in the age bracket of 15-34 years account for 54% of all road deaths. India also holds the dubious distinction of being the No. 1 country in road deaths since 2006.”said Mr Kapila.

“Road safety in India is facing too many hurdles and obstacles, as Several initiatives for improving road safety, such as the much awaited amendment in the Motor Vehicles Act (MVA), improvements in roads from the engineering perspective such as road safety audits at all stages of road construction, beginning right from the planning stage to besides identification and remedy of black spots in a sustained systematic manner, on war footing, can help drastically bring down fatal road accidents in the country in a big way” said Mr. Kapila.

“Despite the best efforts by Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), the much awaited Motor Vehicles Act (MVA) Amendment bill 2016, which is pending for so many years, needs urgent approval of the Parliament. IRF urges Mr. Mukul Roy, Chairman, Standing Parliamentary Committee to submit amendments in the Central Motor Vehicles Act in the current session of Parliament and get the Act cleared, as Road Safety should be utmost in the mind of all “ added Mr Kapila .

“Clearing and implementation of the new MVA, which has provisions for strict Enforcement with appropriate penalties, accompanied by public awareness of the laws will be a critical factor in reducing road traffic injuries and deaths. Once the proposed amendment is passed, traffic rule violators will have to cough up hefty penalties - almost 10 times more than what they pay now - for offences such as over speeding and drunken driving” said Mr Kapila

“At end of 2016, we are in the midst of the ‘’ UN Decade of Action Plan’’ and have a mammoth task of catching up with the target of reducing road fatalities by 50% by 2020. A strong collective political will, which is beyond party politics and differences of opinion, is the need of the hour. IRF earnestly appeals to all political parties of India to stand united for the cause of road safety and pass the amended MV Act (MVA) in the ongoing session of the Parliament.” he further added.

“ IRF calls upon the auto makers in the country to add more advanced safety features into vehicles including air bags , high strength steel, carbon fiber and other materials which along with new designs absorb much of crash before it reaches the passenger. Making ABS brakes mandatory for Two wheelers by Government and rear view sensors in motor vehicles by year 2017 will help in reducing road accidents in the coming years ”said Mr Kapila.

“ IRF Also urges motorists in the country to drive safe as It is very important that citizens welcome the coming New Year with happiness and safety. Thus, while driving, they should understand their responsibility as well. Road safety is everyone’s responsibility, every fatal crash or serious injury has a long-lasting effect on the family and friends left behind,” he said.