road safety

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