1.42 lakh people killed in road accidents in 2011: Govt study

There was an accident in every minute in 2011 in the country that claimed the lives of 1.42 lakh people, according to a government study.

The number of accidents in the previous year was 4.97 lakh injuring 5.11 lakh people, according to a report released by Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

The study attributed the high number of accidents, injuries and deaths to exposure to risk nature of traffic, lack of traffic separation, etc.

The 2011 numbers are, however, marginally lower than the 5.27 lakh accidents and 1.42 lakh deaths in 2010.

The Road Ministry has proposed new schemes for better traffic management during the 12th Five Year Plan (2012-17), including training in driving, first aid.

In a meeting of National Road Monitoring Centre (NRSC) held earlier this year, certain measures to improve road safety were discussed.

These measures are setting up of State Road Safety Councils and District Committees, Road Safety Fund at State level and setting aside 50 per cent fines collected for traffic violations for this fund.

Strict action against drunken driving and removal of liquor shops on national highways was also one of the proposed measures.

The government would also work towards enforcement of use of seat belt, developing emergency medical services by having a 24X7 call centre, with a dedicated common telephone number, road accident crash investigation, etc.

Source: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/1.42-lakh-people-killed-in-road-accidents-in-2011-govt-study/978326