For immediate release
Salem, Jul 22, 2026
India has seen a consistent rise in road crash fatalities, driven by expanding road networks and faster vehicles. There has been a constant upward trend since 2005 with road crash fatalities increasing by 2.5% in 2024 compared to 2023. Tamil Nadu has recorded the highest number of road crashes in India for seven consecutive years in 2024. The state recorded 18,449 road crash fatalities, with Salem alone accounting for 3199 road crashes and 797 road crash fatalities in 2023. While Tamil Nadu was an early adopter of a Road Safety Policy in 2007 (even ahead of the National Road Safety Policy in 2010), an updated and structured State Road Safety Action Plan is critical to achieving the national goal of reducing road crash deaths by 50% by 2030.
To highlight the need for a robust State Road Safety Action Plan that would translate into actionable district plans as well as to address the tragedy of lives and livelihoods lost on our roads, Citizen consumer and civic Action Group (CAG), Chennai hosted a multi-stakeholder workshop in collaboration with Consumer Rights Movement, Salem, at the Windsor Castle Hotel, Salem.
The welcome address was given by Mr. Boopathi from the Consumer Rights Movement. Mr. George Cheriyan, Consultant at CAG, highlighted the scale of India's road safety challenge, noting that although the country accounts for only 1% of the world's vehicles, it contributes to 11% of global road crash deaths. Divya Aravind, Researcher at CAG, emphasised the need for a comprehensive State Road Safety Action Plan that brings together all relevant departments to work in a coordinated manner to reduce road crashes and fatalities across the state.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Mr. Janagiraman, outlined the initiatives being undertaken in Salem to improve road safety. He noted that helmet compliance has improved through sustained awareness campaigns and enforcement efforts. Addressing the issue of wrong-side driving, he said that the Traffic Police are taking steps to curb this widespread violation. He also highlighted efforts to remove vendors occupying footpaths in areas with high pedestrian movement, thereby improving pedestrian safety. Stressing the importance of effective enforcement, he added that the system for collecting traffic penalties needs to be strengthened to improve compliance with road safety regulations.
Mrs. Kokila, Regional Transport Officer, Salem West, emphasised the need for greater public awareness to improve compliance with road safety rules. She urged parents to ensure that children travel in appropriate child restraint systems and are never seated on an adult's lap or in the front seat of a vehicle. She also expressed concern over the increasing number of children below 18 years of age riding two-wheelers, stressing that this illegal and unsafe practice must be stopped.
Dr Vishnu Prashad, Secretary, Salem Medical Association demonstrated first aid measures to be taken on encountering a crash victim, as well as effective post-crash response. He said that they would like to give training to the traffic police who are the first responders at a crash site.
The event brought together representatives from key government departments, enforcement agencies, the health and education sectors, transport authorities, commercial driver associations, civil society organisations, resident welfare associations, and members of the public, reflecting the broad-based collaboration required to improve road safety outcomes. Mr Danraj, President, TN Lorry Owner’s Association and Mr Natarajan, President Salem Bus Owners’Association, also presented their views.
The discussion reinforced that preventing road crashes requires coordinated action across sectors and sustained commitment at the district level. Designing and implementing a State Road Safety Action Plan will provide a roadmap for evidence-based interventions, stronger institutional coordination, and measurable targets. This overarching plan would also enable Salem to make meaningful progress towards safer roads and contribute to Tamil Nadu's and India's road safety goals.
About CAG
Citizen consumer & civic Action Group (CAG) is a forty year old nonprofit and non-political organisation working on citizen rights and good governance. It has worked primarily to protect the interests of consumers and citizens of Chennai even as its efforts have had state level and even national level impacts.
Press queries may be addressed to Nina S, Senior Researcher, Road Safety & Sustainable Mobility, CAG | 8754415824 | nina.subramani@cag.org.in