Speeding major cause of death: Lancet Study

What is the News?

According to a Lancet study, steps taken to check vehicle speed on Indian roads could save 20,554 lives annually.

What are the key takeaways from the Lancet Study on Road Accidents?

Road Accidents

Road traffic injuries(RTIs) are the eighth leading cause of death globally for all ages and the first cause in the 5-29 years age group. 

Close to 14 lakh people die each year and up to 5 crore are injured by RTIs.

The four main risk factors (ie, drink-driving, helmet use, speeding, and seat belt use) consistently increase the risk for road injuries and deaths worldwide. 

Addressing these risks could avert between 25% and 40% of the 14 lakh deaths occurring every year.

Road Accidents in India

According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways 2020 report, there were a total of 1,31,714 deaths due to road accidents, where speeding accounted for 69.3% of deaths followed by non-wearing of helmets and non-use of seatbelts.

Globally, India accounts for almost 10% of all crash-related deaths while accounting for only 1% of the world’s vehicles.

What steps should India take to reduce Road Accidents?

According to the study, steps taken to check vehicle speed on roads in India could alone have the biggest impact on ensuring road safety by saving 20,554 lives annually.

Further, promotion of crash helmets could save 5,683 lives and encouraging the use of seatbelts can also save 3,204 lives in the country. 

Note: In August 2020, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution “Improving global road safety” proclaiming the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030 with the ambitious target of preventing at least 50% of road traffic deaths and injuries by 2030.

Source: The post is based on the article “Speeding major cause of death: Lancet Study” published in The Hindu on 30th June 2022