Promoting a safe transportation system requires a holistic approach including Engineering of roads, Engineering of vehicles, Enforcement, Education and Emergency care These 5Es have been realised world over as pillars of success to promote road safety.
“The successful implementation of the 5 E’s in road safety results in increased awareness, safer road infrastructure, better compliance with traffic laws, encouragement of responsible behavior, and continuous refinement of safety measures. The ultimate outcome is a significant reduction in road accidents, injuries, and fatalities, creating a safer and more secure road environment for everyone” said Mr K K Kapila, President, Emeritus, International Road Federation (IRF) , a Geneva based global road safety body working for better and safer roads world wide while delivering a lecture on ‘Road safety in India- a function of 5Es’
“As per the latest figures released by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH), India accounted for over 4.6 lakh road accidents in which 1.68 lakh people died and another 4.43 lakh were injured.. India’s performance over the years has not shown significant improvement and the loss due to road traffic accidents is equivalent to 5-7 per cent of the country’s GDP (as per World Bank Report June 2022).” Said Mr Kapila.
“To reduce fatal road accidents worldwide concept of forgiving roads is getting popular with zero fatalities. The 5E’s of safe road system include Engineering of Roads, Engineering of Vehicles and Policy Corrections, Education, Enforcement and Emergency care which should be simultaneously carried out on all the roads.” Said Mr Kapila.
“India accounts for more than 11 per cent of global fatal road accidents, highest in the world. International Road Federation as part of its effort to reduce fatal road accidents in the country has taken up safe road construction projects in seven states including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan , Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka. These roads will be safest roads in the country with minimum accidents and almost no road fatality the most desirable design standards are being selected and implemented . The 5E’s of safe road operation including Engineering, Enforcement, Encouragement, Education and Emergency care are being fully carried out while construction of the highway is in full swing.” Said Mr Kapila.
“Engineering of roads includes regular Road Safety Audit, removing black spots, proper road signages and improved visibility, Engineering of vehicles includes Retrofitting on commercial vehicles (mainly trucks) with Underrun Protection Device (FUPD), Side Underrun Protection Device (SUPD) and Rear Underrun Protection Device (RUPD) Affixing Conspicuity Tapes or retro-reflective tapes/reflectors on heavy vehicles to improve night visibility. Retrofitment of Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on existing motorized two wheelers.” Said Mr Kapila.
“Education includes imparting the road safety education and campaign of the population of all age groups along the selected road corridor is one of the important actions required. Preparation of an Education & Campaign Implementation Plan, Enforcement is an important element of road safety to control the behaviours of the road users in compliance to road safety rules. The effort of IRF is two pronged. On the one hand while there will be training of the Enforcement Personnel on Traffic Management and collection of accident data, on the other IRF-IC will work with the State Government to have in place a rigorous enforcement system operational 24x7x365 to capture violations such as Over speeding (speed camera or speed sensors) Unsafe overtaking Overloading (of passenger and goods vehicles)” said Mr Kapila.
“The Emergency care system available along a selected road is one of the critical requirements to minimise fatalities and disabilities due to road accidents/crashes. There are several important activities related to the emergency care system such as Assessment of Existing Emergency Care System along the Project Corridor including training of bystanders and police men” added Mr Kapila.
Those present on the occasion included Mr Jehaan Kotwal, Founder Humsafar and Mr Amandeep Singh , Business Head Avery Dennison.
