World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims

November 15, 2015

#MYSAFETYMYLIFE – World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims

Road Safety has become an issue of concern at the National as well as at the International level. The United Nations has rightly proclaimed 2011-20 as the Decade of Action on Road Safety.

In support of this UN Proclamation of declaring 2011-20 as the Decade of Action on Road Safety, VCAN has taken the pledge “My Safety, My Life” to work together with the Traffic Police, the State Transport Department, and the RTO, in order to address Road Safety concerns in our communities!

The phrase “My Safety, My Life” not only means that our lives are in our own hands, but also that the lives of others rest in our hands as well. Instead of thinking that our safety is at the mercy of others, we must ensure that we do all we can to ensure safe roads; if everyone thinks this way, we can actually achieve safer road conditions and reduce fatalities from traffic accidents.

The UN has also declared “The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims” to be observed on the third Sunday of November each year. This day is dedicated to remembering the many millions killed or injured in road crashes and their families and communities, as well as to pay tribute to the dedicated emergency crews, police and medical professionals who deal with the traumatic aftermath of road death and injury every day.

Some realities:

A very high percentage of road accident victims are in the age group of 15 to 35 years. This group of people account for 53.8 percent of all persons killed in road accidents during 2014.

Within the category of drivers’ fault, accidents caused and persons killed due to “Exceeding lawful speed” by drivers accounted for 55.0 percent (2, 08,271 out of 3, 78,992 accidents) and 56.2 percent (57,844 out of 1, 02,878 deaths) respectively.

Accidents and deaths caused due to “Intake of alcohol/drugs” accounted for 5.0 percent (18,916 out of 3, 78,992 accidents) and 6.8 percent (6,968 out of 1, 02,878 deaths) respectively.

Two modes of road transport which accounts for the higher shares in total road accidents; Two Wheelers (27.3 percent) and Cars, Jeeps & Taxis (22.7 percent).

Generally speaking, traffic junctions are accident prone areas. About 57 per cent of total accidents took place on the junctions itself as per data reported by States/UTs.

Some things to keep in mind are:

What happens if you cross the road by going over the divider/median?

Why one should cross the road on Zebra crossing or use the subway wherever possible?

When there is no footpath walk against the traffic.

Give way to ambulances and other emergency vehicles.

How to be a Good Samaritan?

Serious Consequences of breaching Traffic Rules, results in accidents, loss of life and property.

The Penal Provisions and Fines chargeable in case of breaching Traffic Rules.

Get involved and let us honour Road Traffic Victims by working together to fix Road Safety problems in our communities!

THE TEN GOLDEN RULES FOR ROAD SAFETY

1. STOP OR SLOW DOWN: Allow pedestrians to cross first at uncontrolled zebra crossings.

2. BUCKLE UP: So that your family and you are safe in the car. Seat Belts reduce the chances of death of a car occupant in accidents.

3. OBEY TRAFFIC RULES AND SIGNS: To prevent road accidents.

4. OBEY SPEED LIMITS: For your own safety and that of others. In residential areas and market places, ideal speed should be 20 kmph and the maximum speed limit is 30 kmph.

5. KEEP VEHICLE FIT: To prevent breakdown and accidents on road.

6. NEVER USE MOBILE WHILE DRIVING: To avoid distractions that largely lead to accidents.

7. WEAR HELMET: To protect your head while riding a two wheeler. A good quality helmet reduces the chances of severe head injury.

8. NEVER DRIVE DANGEROUSLY: To ensure your own safety and that of other road users.

9. BE COURTEOUS: Share the road with all and be considerate. Never rage on the road.

10. NEVER MIX DRINKING AND DRIVING: Be Responsible… Don’t drink while driving.

To know more about VCAN’s pledge for Road Safety click here: (https://togethervcan.in/mysafetymylife/)

All figures and data are courtesy the Report “ROAD ACCIDENTS IN INDIA 2014” by the Transport Research Wing, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India.

All our articles are periodically updated.