INDIAN Road Transport is vital to the economic development and social integration of the country. This is considered to be a cost effective and preferred mode of transport both for freight and passengers. Road transport has emerged as the dominant segment in India’s transportation sector. The road transport sector carries about 87% of passenger traffic and 61% of freight traffic. Easy availability, adaptability to individual needs and the cost savings are some of the factors working in favour of road transport. Road transport also acts as a feeder service to railway, shipping and air traffic.

The present transport system has minimised the distances but it has on the other hand increased the life risk. It is generally accepted that accidents due to ‘Un-Natural Causes’ are preventable in nature and can be reduced by effective safety measures - safety consciousness, effective human interventions etc. World-wide road accidents kill over 1.5 million people every year. India Crime Record Bureau statistics reveal that during 2009, 4.16 lakh road accidents were reported and almost 1.27 Lakh people died. Statistics further reveals that 65% of such fatalities are happening on our highways.

We all are deeply concerned about increase in the number of accidents, deaths and injuries in the recent years. It is becoming a major health issue day by day. Most of victims are vulnerable road users – Pedestrians & Riders. Cars & Trucks involvement into crashes share almost 60% of casualties. This is causing both social and economic mayhem and burdens that’s close to 3% of our National Gross Domestic Products (GDP). India’s toll itself accounts over 11% of world’s road deaths. Road accidents have become number one killer.

We are facing unparallel crisis due to the continuous increase in number of vehicles combined with our poor road and traffic condition. Road casualties are going up alarmingly. The problems are likely to get worst day by day on our Cities & Highways Road, unless something is done. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has termed the road casualties a serious public health issue required to be tackled on a war footing, as a major disease. It is possible to significantly curtail this menace by creating awareness and by specialised training to drivers of all types of vehicles and other road users. Studies have shown that over 90% the road accidents in India are caused due to driver’s negligence & error. Research has also pointed out that most of the road accidents are preventable by establishing measures that improve drivers, vehicles and road environments.