Harish Baskar, Researcher, CAG

Looking at Chennai's roads, one would wonder if the roads in Indian cities are designed only for motorised vehicles. Two wheelers and four wheelers account for 90% of the total vehicle fleet pushing users of public transport, pedestrians and cyclists to the margins even though the majority of trips are made by them. The civic administration in Chennai woke up late to this issue. It began constructing footpaths in several parts of the city.

There have been reports of high impact crashes after the first Covid-19 lockdown was lifted as people started moving again. High impact crashes bring into focus the minimum safety systems that one must use while travelling in a vehicle. It is the helmet in case of a two wheeler and seat belt in case of a car. However these safety equipment do not take into account the needs of children. 

Lack of sensitivity towards child safety

Covid 19 has been an upheaval of epic proportions in recent memory. It has impacted people's lives to an extent that no one would have imagined. India stands second in terms of the number of people affected by the pandemic.

Covid-19 has affected our mobility in a drastic manner. While there is a considerable reduction in road crashes in the short term, there could be delay in implementing the increased penalties and also reduction in investment on road infrastructure in the long term. This is also the time to re-look at our national priorities that must include healthcare for all, transportation, and livelihood so that we are ready when the next calamity hits us.

Harish conducts a road safety assessment of eight schools in Chennai and highlights the hurdles faced by children daily.