Air pollution isn’t just an environmental issue, it’s a global health crisis that affects millions of lives every year. An estimated 6.7 million people die prematurely due to exposure to harmful pollutants, making it one of the deadliest threats we face today.
This report highlights the findings from a survey of the general public’s understanding of road safety issues and rules. The report sheds light on public perceptions of critical issues like speeding, road safety, pedestrian safety, and awareness of traffic rules. It also provides actionable recommendations to enhance road safety in the State and serve as a guiding framework for policymakers and stakeholders.
Nearly 1 in 5 cars sold globally in 2023 were electric. Almost 14 million electric cars were registered globally in 2023, of which 95% were from China, USA and Europe. This translates to a 35% year on year increase compared to 2022. The numbers are a combination of both battery electric vehicles (BEVs), hybrid (HEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).
The Pedestrian Plaza project in Pondy Bazaar, under the Chennai Smart City Initiative aimed to create pedestrian-friendly spaces by relocating street vendors to a dedicated complex. CAG’s study, surveying 350 customers and 170 vendors, found that 94% of vendors reported changes in their income post-relocation, with 64% experiencing an increase. Among customers, 71% viewed the relocation positively, while 29% indicated they missed the street shopping experience.
Based on the report released by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, in 2022, 72.4% of accidents and 75.2% of fatalities (119,904 out of 168,491) occurred in India due to over speeding.
CAG's survey in Chennai highlights the everyday challenges faced by livelihood cyclists. Cyclists reported a stark lack of safe cycle paths and parking facilities. Better infrastructure and courteous motorists will go a long way to creating safer spaces for our cyclists.
In the rapidly evolving landscape of transportation, road safety is of paramount importance for communities worldwide, serving as a fundamental pillar for sustainable development and social well being.
