Written by:
Jyoti Kumari
India’s vast network of highways serves as the lifeblood of our nation, transporting people and goods across the country. However, this network is also unfortunately marred by a high number of road accidents. According to the Bureau of Road Organization (BRO), India reported over 4 lakh road accidents in 2019 alone, resulting in over 1.5 lakh fatalities.
These accidents cause immense human suffering, taking countless lives and leaving many with life-altering injuries. Understanding the major causes of these accidents is the first step towards promoting road safety and saving lives.
Main causes of road accidents
Understanding the root causes of road accidents on Indian highways is crucial for effective intervention strategies. These causes can be broadly categorized into three main areas:
Human error
This encompasses factors related to driver behavior, such as speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence, and reckless maneuvers. These behaviors significantly increase the risk of accidents.
Vehicle factors
The condition of the vehicle itself plays a role. Poor maintenance, overloading, and mechanical failures can all contribute to accidents.
Road conditions
The design and maintenance of the highway infrastructure also impacts safety. Potholes, uneven surfaces, inadequate signage, and lack of proper lighting can all create hazards for drivers.
Road conditions
The design and maintenance of the highway infrastructure also impacts safety. Potholes, uneven surfaces, inadequate signage, and lack of proper lighting can all create hazards for drivers.
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Human errors leading to accidents
Overspeeding: The leading culprit
Speeding is the single biggest cause of road accidents on Indian highways, accounting for nearly 71% of accidents in 2019 (Soruce: BRO). Exceeding speed limits reduces reaction time significantly, making it difficult to avoid obstacles or respond to sudden situations. A study by the World Health Organization (WHO) found that a 1% increase in speed can lead to a 3% increase in road traffic deaths.
Distracted driving: Taking your eyes off the road
Distracted driving is another major contributor to accidents. Using mobile phones, eating while driving, or drowsiness can all divert a driver’s attention away from the road, even for a brief moment. This lapse in focus can have devastating consequences at highway speeds.
Driving under the influence (DUI): A recipe for disaster
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is extremely dangerous and illegal. Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, coordination, and reaction time, significantly increasing the risk of accidents. In India, drunk driving can lead to imprisonment and hefty fines (Source: Commissionerate of Transport, Assam)
Reckless driving and lane indiscipline
Reckless driving behaviors like weaving through traffic, sudden lane changes, and aggressive tailgating create chaotic situations on highways. Similarly, not following lane discipline by swerving or driving on the wrong side of the road can lead to head-on collisions.
Vehicle-related causes of accidents
Poor vehicle maintenance: A ticking time bomb
Regular maintenance of vehicles is crucial for ensuring their safe operation on highways. Neglected brakes, worn-out tires, or malfunctioning lights can all lead to sudden failures and accidents. Drivers should prioritize regular servicing of their vehicles.
Vehicle overloading: Putting yourself and others at risk
If you opt for reimbursement, hold onto all original invoices and payment slips related to repairs.
Common vehicle maintenance tips to prevent accidents
Tires: Check tire pressure and tread wear regularly. Replace tires when worn or damaged.
Fluids: Check engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid levels regularly and top up or change as needed.
Lights: Ensure all headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals are functioning properly.
Brakes: Listen for any grinding noises and have your brakes checked regularly by a professional.
Wiper blades: Replace worn or damaged wiper blades to ensure good visibility during rain.
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Road conditions and infrastructural issues
Potholes and uneven surfaces: Hazards in disguise
Poor road conditions riddled with potholes and uneven surfaces can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles, especially at high speeds. These imperfections can also lead to tire damage and sudden swerving. Proper road maintenance is essential for highway safety.
Inadequate signage and markings: Leaving drivers confused
Clear and well-maintained signage and lane markings are crucial for guiding drivers on highways. Confusing or faded signage can lead to wrong turns, missed exits, and sudden lane changes, increasing the risk of accidents.
Lack of proper lighting and visibility concerns
Many highways in India lack adequate lighting, especially in rural areas. This can significantly impair visibility at night, making it difficult for drivers to spot obstacles or oncoming traffic. Improved highway lighting is essential for nighttime safety.
Lack of proper lighting and visibility concerns
Many highways in India lack adequate lighting, especially in rural areas. This can significantly impair visibility at night, making it difficult for drivers to spot obstacles or oncoming traffic. Improved highway lighting is essential for nighttime safety.
Staying safe on the road
By following these safe driving practices, you can significantly reduce your risk of accidents on highways:
1. Safe driving practices on highways
Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you (following the 3-second rule).
Strictly adhere to speed limits.
Use headlights during the day, especially in low visibility conditions.
Avoid overtaking on blind curves or undivided roads.
Plan your journey beforehand and take breaks to avoid fatigue.
2. Emergency response tips
Stop: Stop your car at the scene of the accident and turn on your hazard lights.
Check for injuries: Check yourself and others involved for injuries and call emergency services (dial 108 for ambulance) if necessary.
Secure the scene: If safe to do so, put out warning triangles and direct traffic away from the accident.
Exchange information: Exchange contact and insurance information with other drivers involved.
Report the accident: Report the accident to the nearest police station.
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3. The importance of using safety gear (seatbelts & helmets)
Seatbelts and helmets are proven lifesavers. Wearing a seatbelt significantly reduces the risk of serious injuries and fatalities in an accident. Similarly, helmets are essential for protecting motorcyclists. By law, it is mandatory for all occupants in a car to wear seatbelts and for riders of two-wheelers to wear helmets.
4. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions
Minimize distractions while driving. Put your phone away, avoid eating or applying makeup behind the wheel.
Get enough sleep before embarking on a long journey.
If you feel drowsy, pull over to a safe spot and take a nap.
Be courteous to other drivers and avoid road rage.
Milaap: A crowdfunding platform for your medical emergencies
Road accidents can result in significant medical expenses, creating a financial burden on victims and their families. Milaap is a leading Indian crowdfunding platform that can help bridge this gap.
Milaap allows individuals to create fundraising campaigns to raise money for medical treatment. In the case of an accident, a campaign can be set up to cover hospital bills, surgery costs, rehabilitation expenses, or even modified vehicles if needed.
Here's how Milaap can be helpful
Easy to set up
Anyone can create a campaign on Milaap with a clear description of the medical emergency and the targeted amount.
Wide reach
The platform allows campaigns to be shared on social media, reaching a large pool of potential donors.
Transparent donations
Donors can track how their contributions are being used, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Milaap offers a ray of hope for those struggling with the financial burden of medical bills after an accident. By leveraging its crowdfunding power, individuals can focus on recovery while their communities come together to support them.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Success stories on Milaap
In times of need, support means everything, and with Milaap, you need not look any further. Milaap enables you to set up a fundraiser for any medical emergency within minutes, and you can easily raise funds for treatment expenses.
Do you know someone who could benefit from fundraising? Simply refer them to us and we’ll be happy to lend a hand.
Visit www.milaap.org or call us on +91 9916174848 to get started now.
For more information, write to us at cx@milaap.org.
