Road safety is a shared responsibility of the government, the civil society (NGOs, academia, youth), and the private sector. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), road traffic crashes claim approximately 1.19 million lives annually, with young people and vulnerable road users at the highest risk. Key challenges include inadequate infrastructure, insufficient enforcement of traffic laws, and limited adoption of safety technologies. Our report, titled ‘Driving change: Enhancing road safety through technology partnerships,’ highlights key global and Indian infrastructure challenges related to road safety. It also suggests actionable recommendations for enhancing road safety through technological interventions.

Current landscape of road safety in India

Scripting the country’s growth story, India has the second largest road network globally, with around 66.71 lakh km, as of December 2023. National Highways play a pertinent role in the country’s economic and social development, by enabling efficient movement of freight and passengers and improving access to markets. With more than 90% of India’s total passenger vehicle traffic using roads to commute, road safety must be regarded with highest importance. India records the highest number of road accident fatalities globally with a reported road death rate of 250 per 10,000 km, higher than the rates in the US (57), China (119) and Australia (11). In 2023, India recorded over 4.80 lakh road accidents which resulted in over 1.72 lakh deaths.

Ranjana Khanna, Director General CEO, AMCHAM India
Every year, India witnesses 4,80,000 road accidents and 1,80,000 deaths, amongst the highest in the world. Out of these deaths, 66.4% are in the age group of 18-45. Cutting-edge technologies are an important defining factor, to support the vision of the Government of India of reducing accidents and mortality on roads and highways significantly. During the “Golden Hour”, which is the most crucial time period for timely action, technological interventions like AI-powered systems can analyse real-time data from cameras, sensors, and vehicle communication systems to detect accidents quickly, help connect with the police, hospitals and ambulances to ensure that the most critical resources are deployed to the scene of the accident as quickly as possible to save lives and reduce accident injuries. This report is an attempt to enhance road safety in India and save lives, with technology interventions.
Ranjana Khanna Director General CEO, AMCHAM India

Enhancing road safety: Addressing key infrastructure challenges

India is committed to improving road safety by strengthening adherence to traffic rules and enhancing enforcement measures. To improve road safety in India, it is imperative to recognise the roadblocks we largely face, so that essential solutions can be implemented to overcome them.

  • Infrastructure and road design improvements: Optimising road design with well-planned curves, adequate lane widths, and efficient drainage systems significantly reduces accident risks. Strengthening project planning and execution further enhances safety. Effective signage and lane markings play a crucial role in traffic management by guiding drivers, minimising confusion, and improving reaction times. Companies can enhance these systems using retroreflective materials, LED-based adaptive signage, and AI-powered recognition systems. Regular maintenance, such as pothole repairs, ensures smoother commuting. Installing safety features like guardrails and pedestrian crossings protects road users.
  • Driver behaviour and training gaps: A lack of rule adherence and awareness significantly contributes to road accidents in India. Human errors like over-speeding, which caused 68.1% of road fatalities in 2023, and neglecting helmets and seat belts remain major concerns. Strengthening enforcement and public education on safety features such as airbags and anti-lock braking systems (ABS) can promote safer driving. Expanding driver training, especially in rural areas, and introducing advanced programs for commercial drivers will enhance road safety. A national crash database and initiatives like Bharat NCAP will further improve policy planning and vehicle safety standards.
  • Lack of 'Golden Hour' response: Timely emergency response plays a crucial role in saving lives and reducing the impact of road accidents. Strengthening infrastructure, public awareness, and stakeholder coordination can improve outcomes. Expanding Emergency Medical Services (EMS) coverage, investing in infrastructure, and training personnel will ensure timely medical attention. Strengthening ambulance networks and integrating technology can accelerate response times. Raising awareness about bystander protections encourages public assistance, reducing delays in first aid and hospital transport. Increasing trauma centers, particularly in rural areas, and enhancing coordination between police, EMS, and hospitals will streamline emergency care.

Government and policy interventions to enhance road safety

A comprehensive approach to road safety requires a strong focus on Education, Engineering, Enforcement, and Emergency Care. India can significantly reduce road accidents and fatalities by enhancing driver awareness, improving road and vehicle design, ensuring strict law enforcement, and strengthening emergency response systems. Continued collaboration between government, industry, and the public will be key to building a safer and more resilient road network.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has formulated a multi-pronged strategy to address the critical issue of road safety based on the 4E approach:

Education

The MoRTH has undertaken several initiatives to enhance road safety through public awareness, driver training, and professional education. These efforts instils responsible driving behaviour, improve road infrastructure management, and create a culture of safety across the country.

Engineering

The government has integrated road safety into the design, construction, and maintenance of highways to minimise accidents and enhance overall road safety.

Enforcement

The enforcement of road safety laws plays a significant role in ensuring compliance with traffic regulations and reducing road accidents. MoRTH has implemented stringent measures to enhance enforcement through legal frameworks and technology-driven solutions.

Emergency

A strong emergency response system is essential for minimising fatalities and ensuring timely medical care for road accident victims.

Technological interventions for road safety

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) comprises a wide range of technologies that collaborate to enhance road safety and provide important information. Road traffic safety systems integrate various ITS technologies to minimise the risk of accidents, injuries, and fatalities. They utilise advanced communication, sensing, and radar technologies to transmit information, involving numerous components and mechanisms. These technologies improve real-time traffic management, shorten travel times, enhance incident response, and more.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are sophisticated technologies designed to enhance driver safety. They utilise sensors and cameras to monitor the road, alerting drivers to potential hazards and even taking control to prevent accidents.

Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) is a communication system enabling vehicles to interact with each other (V2V), infrastructure (V2I), and pedestrians (V2P). This technology facilitates sharing crucial information, such as sudden stops or traffic light changes, enhancing road safety and efficiency.

Telematics combines telecommunications and information processing to monitor and manage fleet vehicles, enhancing operations. It improves road safety by providing feedback on driving behaviour, reducing risky habits, and predicting maintenance needs to prevent breakdowns and accidents.

Fully autonomous vehicles drive themselves using advanced sensors, cameras, and AI, while semi-autonomous vehicles require some human assistance for tasks like highway driving or parking. These technologies are transforming the logistics industry by reducing accidents and improving delivery efficiency.

Predictive analytics uses data to forecast future events, aiding logistics companies in predicting delivery times, maintenance needs, and potential risks. AI enhances this by quickly analysing large datasets to identify patterns and trends.

Saket Mehra, Partner and Auto & EV Industry Leader, Grant Thornton Bharat
Technology plays a transformative role in reducing road accidents and improving mobility safety. Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) enable real-time traffic monitoring, predictive analytics help prevent high-risk incidents, and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) enhance vehicle safety through automation. Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication improves coordination between vehicles, road infrastructure, and pedestrians, reducing the likelihood of collisions. Telematics and AI-powered traffic management solutions are also being deployed to optimise mobility and ensure safe driving conditions. Ultimately, improving road safety is a shared responsibility of governments, private sector, and civil society. By leveraging advanced technology, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and fostering global collaboration, India can work towards significantly reducing road traffic fatalities while building a more efficient and safer transportation ecosystem.
Saket Mehra Partner and Auto & EV Industry Leader, Grant Thornton Bharat

Strengthening emergency response and funding

Strengthening emergency response requires real-time data sharing, GPS-enabled ambulances, and integrated trauma care systems to ensure faster, more efficient medical assistance. By leveraging smart technology, AI-driven dispatch systems, and centralised emergency networks, accident victims receive timely care, significantly improving survival rates. Seamless integration with traffic management, hospitals, and first responders ensures swift medical intervention.

Empowering citizens through bystander training and trauma care networks is critical to enhancing pre-hospital care. As per MoRTH, 50% of road fatalities could have been avoided if medical attention was given in the first hour. Programmes like basic first aid training, trauma response workshops, and community-led safety initiatives create a network of immediate responders.

Sustainable funding models are essential for building robust emergency response systems and road safety infrastructure. Governments can explore public-private partnerships, insurance-linked models, and dedicated safety funds to ensure continuous investment in trauma care.

Vision for sustainable and safer mobility

Road safety remains a critical global challenge, requiring a technology-driven, policybacked, and multi-stakeholder approach to reduce fatalities and injuries. This report has underscored the importance of AI-driven traffic monitoring, enhanced signage and road markings, vehicle safety advancements, emergency care integration, and robust enforcement mechanisms in mitigating road accidents. These interventions, supported by collaborations between governments, industry players, and research institutions, are essential to building a safer and more efficient mobility ecosystem. By treating road safety as a shared responsibility, nations can work towards a future with reduced road fatalities. With continued investment in advanced technologies, policy enforcement, and global cooperation, the vision of sustainable and safer mobility can become a reality. Through US-India collaboration and broader international partnerships, road safety solutions can be scaled effectively, ensuring safer roads for future generations.

Driving change: Enhancing road safety through technology and partnerships
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Enhancing road safety through technology and partnerships

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Saket Mehra
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Partner and Auto & EV Industry Leader
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