Safety experts call for strict safety measures in road construction to reduce accidents

Safety experts have expressed concerns about the increasing number of fatalities and serious injuries on roads, emphasising the importance of incorporating safety measures into road planning and design. They have called for the strict enforcement of these safety features by road construction companies.

India's contribution to global road accident deaths, accounting for more than 11 per cent, is primarily attributed to the absence of safety measures, as highlighted by P K Sikdar, former director of the Central Road Research Institute, during an event organised by the International Road Federation (India chapter). Sikdar mentioned that numerous accidents resulting in fatalities and serious injuries could have been prevented if recommended road safety measures had been put in place. He also noted the lack of uniform practice in road safety audits across the country.

Furthermore, K K Kapila, the International Road Federation President Emeritus, spoke at the event, suggesting the use of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) to enhance the efficiency and safety of road transportation, traffic management, and mobility. ITS technology is being increasingly adopted worldwide to boost the capacity of congested roads and reduce travel times.

(With PTI Inputs)