Govt Plans New Safety Devices for Heavy Commercial Vehicles to Cut Road Accidents

The Indian government is planning to implement new safety measures aimed at reducing fatalities and improving road safety across the country. The proposal, under review, focuses on installing essential safety devices in trucks and lorries, targeting key factors such as driver fatigue, vehicle stability, and effective braking mechanisms. These features aim to drastically reduce the risk of fatal accidents, particularly on long-distance highways where commercial vehicles often face challenging conditions.

Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, recently announced that the government is considering making the installation of advanced safety features mandatory for all new heavy commercial vehicles. These features include the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system, which helps maintain vehicle stability during sharp turns or adverse weather conditions; the Emergency Braking System (EBS), which automatically applies brakes in critical situations to avoid collisions; and the Driver Drowsiness Alert and Safety System, which detects signs of driver fatigue and warns the driver to take a break. The introduction of these technologies is expected to have a significant impact on reducing road accidents caused by poor vehicle control, driver fatigue, and drowsiness. With approximately 33,000 fatalities annually attributed to truck-related accidents in India, the implementation of such systems could be a game-changer in preventing tragic accidents. The consultation process for this initiative is already underway, involving key stakeholders in the transport sector. Once consultations conclude, the government plans to release a draft notification formalising the proposal, with hopes to have the devices implemented in new vehicles soon.

In addition to the new safety devices, there are discussions regarding regulating the number of hours a commercial driver can operate a vehicle. The government may introduce a cap, potentially limiting commercial drivers to eight hours of driving per day, in an effort to prevent fatigue-related accidents. This proposed regulation is expected to complement the safety devices, creating a more comprehensive approach to road safety. Recognising the broader challenges within the transport sector, the government is also focusing on improving the quality and availability of skilled drivers. Gadkari announced plans to establish 1,250 driver training schools across India in the next two years. The initiative is part of a larger effort to address the shortage of trained drivers, which currently stands at a staggering 2.2 million. The central government is set to allocate Rs 4,500 crore to support the establishment of these centres, which will train approximately 2.5 million drivers, helping meet the growing demand for qualified personnel in the transport industry.

Further demonstrating its commitment to a sustainable and eco-friendly transport system, the government is also working on expanding the number of vehicle scrapping centres. This will not only reduce the environmental impact of old, inefficient vehicles but also support a circular economy by ensuring that automotive parts are reused and recycled effectively. The number of scrapping centres is set to increase from 82 to over 100, in line with government efforts to make the automotive industry more sustainable. Additionally, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is introducing a nationwide scheme to provide cashless treatment to road accident victims. This initiative will cover hospitalisation expenses up to Rs 1.5 lakh per person and will apply to both government and private hospitals. The pilot phase of the scheme is already operational in select regions, with plans to expand it nationwide based on its initial success. For victims of hit-and-run accidents, the scheme will provide Rs 2 lakh in financial assistance, further ensuring that victims receive prompt medical attention.

With these combined measures — from the introduction of advanced safety devices to expanded driver training and the provision of cashless medical treatment — the Indian government is taking substantial steps towards addressing road safety. These initiatives reflect a growing commitment to not only reducing the number of accidents but also improving the overall sustainability and resilience of India’s transport infrastructure. By addressing both the immediate causes of accidents, such as driver fatigue and vehicle instability, and the broader issues like driver training and vehicle recycling, these measures aim to create a safer, more efficient, and environmentally responsible road network. As these initiatives take shape, they hold the potential to transform road safety in India and reduce the alarming number of accidents caused by heavy commercial vehicles.