- 99 percent of Indian pedestrians are at risk of injury, with pedestrian fatalities accounting for one in every ten traffic-related deaths in the country.
- Human error, infrastructure-related issues, and vehicle-related factors are the primary contributors to pedestrian accidents in India.
- Daytime accidents pose a greater threat to Indian pedestrians compared to nighttime accidents, with 52 percent of incidents occurring during the day.
Indian pedestrians face a significant risk of injury, with alarming statistics revealing that as many as 99 percent of them are vulnerable to accidents. The latest report by Bosch Ltd, a leading technology and services provider, sheds light on the factors contributing to this dire situation, urging the adoption of effective road safety measures and a multi-dimensional approach to tackle the issue.
According to the report, Indian pedestrians accounted for one in every ten traffic-related fatalities in the country, with 29,200 pedestrian deaths recorded in 2021 alone. This figure surpasses the combined road fatalities of both the entire European Union and Japan. Additionally, an estimated 60,000 pedestrians were injured during the same period.
The report identifies three primary factors contributing to pedestrian accidents: human error, infrastructure-related issues, and vehicle-related factors. Human error takes the lead, accounting for 91 percent of pedestrian accidents. Insufficient infrastructure, such as poorly designed roads and inadequate pedestrian crossings, contributes to 63 percent of incidents, while vehicle-related factors play a role in 44 percent of cases.
An interesting observation made by the report is the unique behavior of Indian pedestrians. Approximately 12 percent of them tend to cross halfway and stop in the middle of the road, allowing vehicles to pass. This stands in stark contrast to the practice in the western world, where drivers typically stop to allow pedestrians to cross safely.
The study further reveals that daytime accidents pose a greater threat to Indian pedestrians compared to nighttime accidents, with 52 percent of incidents occurring during daylight hours. This emphasizes the need for heightened awareness and caution throughout the day.
To address the alarming number of pedestrian accidents, Bosch emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach. Implementing comprehensive road safety measures that consider all three contributing factors—human error, infrastructure, and vehicle-related issues—is crucial. This multi-dimensional strategy would involve improving road infrastructure, enhancing driver education and awareness, and promoting responsible behavior among pedestrians.
The report's findings highlight the urgent need for India to prioritize pedestrian safety within its broader road safety initiatives. By implementing effective measures and adopting a proactive approach, the nation can work towards significantly reducing the risks faced by pedestrians and creating safer roads for all.
