Policy and practice of road safety in India a study of SAS Nagar Punjab

Abstract

Road accidents are a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, necessitating a comprehensive approach to road safety. This study examined road safety policy and practice in India through the five pillars of road safety: road safety management, safer roads and mobility, safer vehicles, safer road users, and post-crash response. newlineA mixed-methods approach, using both primary and secondary data sources, was used. Primary data was collected through survey, focus group discussions (FGDs), semi-structured interviews, key-informant interviews and observation checklists. Secondary data analysis included review of national and international reports, research studies, and other relevant documents. It was found that India had adopted international best practices, however, challenges in data-driven decision-making, policy implementation, enforcement, and inter-agency coordination limited their effectiveness. Unsafe road design, lack of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, and inadequate speed management continued to endanger vulnerable road users. In addition, behavioral factors, such as risk perception and non-compliance with traffic laws emerged as significant concerns, requiring social marketing interventions to drive behavior change. The study also highlighted deficiencies in pre-hospital and in-hospital trauma care, emphasizing the need for a systematic, well-coordinated emergency response. newlineTo address these issues, there is a need of a holistic, multi-stakeholder approach integrating regulatory enforcement, infrastructure enhancements, behavioral interventions, and strengthened trauma care systems. The study highlighted the need for collaborative governance, where policymakers, law enforcement, urban planners, healthcare providers, and civil society work together to create a safer road environment. Thus, by adopting a comprehensive approach to road safety, India can move towards reducing road accident fatalities and improving overall road transport system. newline newline