Road Safety Must Not Go Astray: IIT Kharagpur Professor Bhargav Maitra
Roads Must Be Safe for Everyone
Road safety in India remains a major concern as thousands lose their lives every year due to preventable accidents. Highlighting this crisis, Bhargav Maitra, Professor at Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, said safer roads are possible only when design, enforcement, and public responsibility work together.
India Faces a Serious Road Safety Crisis
India records one of the highest numbers of road accidents globally. Professor Maitra said overspeeding causes the most deaths. In 2023, speeding led to nearly 68 percent of road accident fatalities.
He identified poor infrastructure as the second major reason. Many roads lack footpaths, safe crossings, and clear signage. Weak enforcement of traffic rules stands as the third key cause.
Pedestrians and Cyclists Suffer the Most
Unsafe road design affects pedestrians and cyclists the most. Many roads do not provide footpaths or cycle lanes. As a result, vulnerable users share space with fast vehicles.
This situation proves deadly. Pedestrians and cyclists account for around 67 percent of road accident deaths in India. Professor Maitra said authorities must build separate and safe lanes for them.
Engineering and Enforcement Must Work Together
Driver behaviour remains a challenge. However, Professor Maitra said road engineering and enforcement matter equally. Many highways allow high speeds but lack service roads for local traffic.
Poor visibility at intersections also causes crashes. Narrow dividers and uncontrolled road entries increase risk. These design flaws create dangerous conflict points.
Using Data and Technology to Fix Black Spots
Authorities identify accident-prone locations, known as black spots, using national guidelines. Repeated accidents at one location signal infrastructure problems.
IIT Kharagpur uses machine learning and spatial analysis to study these spots. Professor Maitra said each state needs local standards instead of one national rule.
Speed Control and Surveillance Are Essential
Good roads encourage speeding. Therefore, engineers must build speed control into road design. Cameras, sensors, and automated systems should support police enforcement.
Technology-based monitoring improves compliance and saves lives, he said.
Low Awareness of Good Samaritan Law
Public awareness of the Good Samaritan law remains poor. Studies show 84 percent of Indians do not know the law protects helpers of accident victims.
Fear stops many people from helping. The Road Safety Network works with NGOs to spread awareness and push policy reforms.
A Holistic Approach Is the Only Solution
Professor Maitra concluded that safer roads need a combined approach. Engineering, enforcement, technology, and public responsibility must work together. Only then can India reduce road deaths and injuries.
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