NEW DELHI: Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari  addressed the alarming rate of road accidents in India, emphasizing the urgent need for improved road safety measures. Speaking at the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) 64th annual conference in Delhi on September 10, Gadkari highlighted the gravity of the situation, pointing out that India records nearly 53 accidents and 19 deaths every hour.

Gadkari urged all stakeholders to focus on reducing these numbers and stressed the importance of establishing driver-training schools. He emphasized that these schools would ensure drivers are well-informed about local regulations and road safety practices.

"Imagine, 45 percent of accidents involve two-wheelers and 20 percent involve pedestrians," Gadkari said during the conference. He called on original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to contribute to this effort by supporting and initiating driver-training programs to improve road safety.

Additionally, Gadkari acknowledged ongoing efforts to address faulty roads and signage. He highlighted the significance of the Bharat National Car Assessment Program (NCAP), which aims to enhance vehicle safety standards. "Bharat NCAP will foster healthy competition among manufacturers to produce safer vehicles for customers," he said.

The Bharat NCAP, similar to the Global NCAP, will provide a crash-safety rating to vehicles sold in India. It will award a five-star rating to vehicles that meet high safety standards, taking into account factors such as occupant protection and safety equipment.

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