Background
Serious accidents occurring on road is a matter of great concern for all of us. Not a day passes when we do not read report of at least 2 or 3 serious road accidents. Almost everyone has been affected by such accidents at one time or the other., because a relative or friend is somehow connected to such accidents. The number of deaths per year per 10000 motor vehicle in India is 10 to 15 times more than that in advance countries. The number of motor vehicle is increasing day by day. Though it is a sign of improving economy of the country. It is a bitter truth that is also adds to accidents on roads. Our inability to provide enough funds to widen the roads or to construct new roads in proportion to rise in vehicle population also results in perpetuating this state of affairs.
In Maharashtra there were 100144 motor vehicle in 1961. Thirty six years later in 1997 the figure rose to 4515746 a 45 fold increase! During the same period the road length has risen by mere 5 times. In fact there are several roads where the vehicular traffic 4 to 5 times their capacity.
Statistics for the last few years show that there is a large increase in the number of accidents from year to year. In the state 77565 accidents were recorded 1996. These accidents are only those registered with the Police. Besides these there are several accidents which are not registered with the police. Because only one vehicle is involved or because the injuries or damages are not very serious. It can therefore be surmised that the actual number of accidents may be much more. In these accidents, large scale loss of life occurs every year. Several persons aere maimed for life. The productivity of several others reduces due to temporary incapacity. On an average 212 road accident occur in Maharashtra everyday and 24 person die therein while 145 are injured. Broadly 30 percent of persons dying in road accidents are below the age of 30 years. This means that the proportion of those dying in the prime of their life is quite large. It is clear that unless urgent remedial measures are taken, the occurrence of these accidents and resultant casualties will go on rising.
Broadly road accidents occur due to the following 4 reasons.
1) Defects in vehicle e.g. breakage of tie rod of a running vehicle tyre bursting, wheel coming loose or failure of brakes. Due to such occurrence the driver loses control on the vehicle and an accident results.
2) Error of driver e.g. overtaking at a wrong place, turning abruptly or stopping without prior signalling, which can cause collision with the vehicle following; driving fast through villages exceeding the speed limit; falling asleep at the wheel, overturning due to going round a curve at excessive speed, driving while intoxicated etc.,
3) Environment around the road e.g. error of drivers of other vehicles like bullockcarts, cycles, rickshaw, jay walking, pedestrians, school children being run over, cattle or dogs etc. running onto roads.
4) Defects in roads: A study of accidents registered with the police shows that the number of accidents due to this reason is around 10% of total accidents. Even allowing for some errors in analysis of reasons for accidents, the figure will not exceed 20%.
Appointment of Accident Prevention Committee
On this background the Government of Maharashtra decided to appoint a Committee with a view to reducing at least the accidents occurring due to shortcoming in the roads by suggesting remedial measures. Thus the road in the state would be rendered safer to some extent and it is expected that there will be reduction in the number of road accidents and good many lives would be saved.
Considering all the above, the Government constituted the Road Accident Prevention Committee on 1.10.97. The Committee comprises the following members
1. Shri S.R. Tambe, Former Secretary (PWD) .. Honorary Chairman
2. All Regional Chief Engineers (including Electrical / CE (SP), Mumbai and CE (NH) Navi Mumbai) .. Member
3. IG Police (Traffic), Maharashtra State .. Member
4. Deputy Secretary, Home Deptt., (Transport) .. Member
5. Representative of State Truck, .. Member Tempo, Bus Transport Organisation
6. Representative of Western India .. Member Automobile Association
7. Representative of Maharashtra State Road .. Member Transport Corporation
8. Shri Chandmal Parmar of Kum. Rajshree .. Honorary Member Parmar Trust, Pune
9. Shri Baba Davare .. Honorary Members
10. Chief Engineer, M.S.E.B. .. Member
11. Superintending Engineer, M.O.S.T., .. Member Mumbai
12. Chief Engineer & Jt. Secy., PWD .. Member Secretary
13. Shri A.D.Patil, Retired,S.E. P.W.D, Kolhapur
India is a vast country. A gigantic grid of roads connects most citi
es and towns. The Indian traffic rules go a long way to ensure traffic safety in India. The Indian roads are forever filled with traffic jams, thanks to ever increasing demand and supply of cars and other vehicles. Hence, following the traffic rules in India are necessary for your own security and well-being. Read on further to know about certain traffic rules of India.
a.Don't use your mobile phone whilst driving
b. Belt up in the back
c. Don't drink and drive
d. Always adhere to speed limits
f.Take special care about children, senior citizens and pedestrians.
g. Don't drive if tired.
h. Pedestrians should walk cautiously.
i. Always observe and anticipate other road users.
j. India follows left hand side driving. So be careful and look both ways while crossing the road.Do not drive if you cannot adapt to the left hand side driving.
Last Updated Monday, March 08 2010 @ 12:40 AM IST|177 Hits 
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