Ruleless driving, we are not like this only

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

India as road accidents. Despite a decline in road crashes globally, India's numbers are on the rise — it accounts for 6% globally, with a 10% increase over 2019. Which is why road transport minister Nitin Gadkari's concern over these numbers are more than understandable.

The human cost is immense, but in language that seems to resonate with more people, road accidents set the GDP back by 3.14%, about ₹5 lakh cr annually.

Bending the road crash curve requires focusing on road design and construction, driver behaviour, and accident response. India's road problems begin with the detailed project report (DPR) preparation and assessment — 'made on Google' is how Gadkari described them. Ideas of changing tendering norms, subjecting DPRs to audits will make a difference.

The idea of regular road safety during construction and use will result in continuous monitoring that can help identify and rectify design flaws. But the big change has to be driver behaviour. The Motor Vehicles Act now provides tougher norms for violators, making it less onerous for good Samaritans.

But it is state governments that must agree and implement tougher rules, not dilute them. Local police and traffic cops need to step up efforts to improve compliance and be proactive in raising awareness. 'We are like this only' just won't do any more.