This project aims to engage with citizens, policy makers, and other stakeholders from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to emphasis the need for a strong Motor Vehicles Act for the country. The provisions under the existing Act are inadequate and the penalties for various road violations are minimal, thus not acting as a deterrent to erring motorists. Through targeted engagement with policymakers, transport departments, law enforcement agencies, and civil society organizations, the project seeks to highlight the urgent need for a new, comprehensive Motor Vehicle and Road Safety Act or substantial amendments to the existing Motor Vehicle Act without dilution. Public awareness initiatives and strategic collaborations will be leveraged to promote safer road practices and compliance with key safety measures. Ultimately, this initiative aspires to reduce road accidents and fatalities, fostering a safer transportation system for all.
There is one fatality every 4 minutes on Indian roads. The World Health Organization(WHO) notes that though India has only one per cent of the world’s roads, the country accounts for 10 per cent of road accident fatalities. Reversing this worsening trend requires a concerted effort on various fronts – changing user behaviour; stronger legislation that covers aspects of vehicle safety, etc; better enforcement of legislation; proper road design and improved data collection regarding traffic.
Currently, a Road Transport and Safety Bill has been tabled before Parliament that seeks to replace the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The Bill went through several drafts that saw the dilution of penalties and road safety norms.
In addition, based on a Supreme Court directive, the Government of India has issued guidelines on ensuring that citizens who provide help during or after an accident (Good Samaritans) are not harassed by police, hospitals or other authorities. This was in response to studies indicating that people do not come forward to provide aid to accident victims because of a fear of legal and other hassles.