Lok Sabha Question No. 1435 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-02-10
Subject: Road Accidents in Tamil Nadu
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: S. Gnanathiraviam

be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is a fact that a large number of accidents are occurring on the National Highways (NHs) in the State of Tamil Nadu;
- (b) if  so,  the  preventive  steps  being  taken  by  the  Government  to reduce such road accidents in the State;
- (c) whether any of the suggestions of Road Safety Forum which are being implemented in other States would also be implemented in the State of Tamil Nadu and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) the steps proposed to enhance road safety in the State of Tamil Nadu by providing ambulances, road safety measures and trauma facilities on NHs in the State?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

- (a)      As  per  the  information  available  with  the  Ministry,  the  data received from police department of Tamil Nadu, total number of Road Accidents  on  National  Highways  (including  on  Expressways)  in  Tamil Nadu State during the last four calendar years i.e. 2017 to 2020 are given in the table below:

|   Year | Total Road Accidents on National Highways   |   % age increase / decrease over previous year |
|--------|---------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------|
|  20696 | -                                           |                                           2017 |
|  19583 | -5.38                                       |                                           2018 |
|  17633 | -9.96                                       |                                           2019 |
|  15269 | -13.41                                      |                                           2020 |

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1435 ANSWERED ON 10 TH  FEBRUARY, 2022

ROAD ACCIDENTS IN TAMIL NADU

1435.  SHRI GNANATHIRAVIAM S.:

## Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री

- (b)  to  (d)    The  Ministry  has  formulated  a  multi-pronged  strategy  to address the issue of road safety based on Education, Engineering (both of roads and vehicles), Enforcement and Emergency Care. Accordingly, various  initiatives  have  been  taken  by  the  Ministry  in  the  States/UTs including the State of Tamil Nadu as detailed below :-

## i. Education:

- a. The  Ministry  implements  a  scheme  for  undertaking  publicity measures  and  awareness  campaigns  on  road  safety  to  create awareness among road users through the electronic media, print media, NGOs etc. Total 714 work orders issued to various NGOs from 2018-19 to 2020-2021.
- b. Observance  of  National  Road  Safety  Month/Week  every  year  for spreading awareness and strengthening road safety.
- c. A Certification Course for Road Safety Auditors has been commenced in Indian Academy of Highway Engineers (IAHE).

## ii. Engineering (both of Roads and vehicles)

- Road engineering:
- a. High  priority  to  identification and  rectification  of  black  spots (accident prone spots) on national highways. Ministry has identified  5803  black  spots  on  National  Highways  based  on accident and fatality data of year 2015-2018 in 30 states/UTs. Out of 5803 Black spots, temporary measures have been taken on 5366 black spots and 3215 Black spots have been permanently rectified.
- b. Road  safety  has  been  made  an  integral  part  of  road  design  at planning stage.
- c. Ministry has delegated powers to Regional Officers of MORTH for technical  approval  to  the  detailed  estimates  for  rectification  of identified Road Accident black spots.
- d. Guidelines  for  pedestrian  facilities  on  National  Highways  for persons with disabilities have also been issued to all States / UTs.
- Vehicle engineering:
- a. Safety standards for automobiles have been improved in respect of Airbags,  Anti-Breaking  System  (ABS),  Tyres,  Crash  test,  Whole Vehicle Safety Conformity of Production (WVSCoP) etc.
- b. Ministry  has  notified  fitment  of  Speed  Limiting  devices  on  all transport vehicles.
- c. Scheme for setting up one model Inspection & Certification Centre in each State/UT with Central assistance for testing the fitness of vehicles through an automated system.
- iii. Enforcement
- a. The  recently  passed  motor  vehicles  (Amendment)  Act,  2019 provides  for  strict  enforcement  through  use  of  technology  and further provides for strict penalties for ensuring strict compliance and enhancing deterrence for violation of traffic rules.
- b. Issue  of  Guidelines  for  protection  of  Good  Samaritans  and  draft rules as per MV (Amendment) Act, 2019 has been published.
- iv. Emergency care:
- a. The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 provides for a scheme for the cashless treatment of victims of road accidents during the golden hour.
- b. The National Highways Authority of India has made provisions for Ambulances with paramedical staff / Emergency Medical team with Technician / Nurse which are stationed near the toll plazas.
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