Topic: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
5. Ending the silent pandemic of road accidents will need education, civil society cooperation and professional policing. Discuss in the light of recent recurring accidents witnessed in the country. (250 words)
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
Recently, a horrific bus accident took place in Madhya Pradesh’s Sidhi district. The bus passengers were trapped within the bus as it landed into a swollen canal near Patna village. There were about 57 people on the bus, out of which 50 were left dead.
Key Demand of the question:
Explain in what way ending the silent pandemic of road accidents will need education, civil society cooperation and professional policing.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start with some key data related to road safety in the country say present data on number of road accidents that happen every year.
Body:
Discuss first the issues one by one related to road safety in the country.
According to the recently released World Bank-commissioned report – Traffic Crash Injuries and Disabilities, India has 1% of the world’s vehicles but 11% of all road accident deaths.
According to the Union Transport Ministry, the number of dead in 2019 was 1,51,113 and injured- 4,51,361.
India loses 3% of its GDP due to road accidents, most of which are preventable.
Transport departments continue to take an indulgent view of rule violations.
Political parties and others fix illegal flag poles and spears on car bonnets and metal contraptions to SUV bumpers, which are deadly in an accident.
The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act of 2019 has provisions that aim to bring about change.
Conclusion:
Conclude with what needs to be done and suggest solutions.
