ROAD SAFETY POLICY

The total population of come out with a Road Safety Policy, which is comprehensive and

vehicles in Tamil Nadu has been growing year after year. The average growth over the last five years has been of the order of 10 per cent every year. This is one of the main reasons for the increase in road accidents in the State, In the calendar year 2006 alone 11,009 persons lost their lives in road accidents. Road Safety is a subject that has been receiving the

addresses all related issues that need to be acted upon in this regard. The Project Director, Tamil Nadu Road Sector Project, Chennai, has sent a draft Road Safety Policy for approval of the Government. This draft has been discussed in the reconstituted Inter Departmental Steering Committee, which has membership from the various

Government's continuous attention and the Government have been taking various steps for widening of roads, putting up of road signages, highway patrolling and starting of emergency relief centres, etc. 2. In this context the

departments of the Government concerned with implementing the Road Safety Policy. This Committee examined the draft policy and has suggested certain revisions to it. These revisions have been adopted by the Steering Committee and a revised Road Safety Policy has been drawn up by the Government.

Government has felt the need to

i 3. The Government, after examining the revised draft Road Safety Policy in detail, has approved the same. The Road Safety Policy as approved by the Government is annexed to this Order. All the Heads of Departments concerned viz. Director General of Police, Transport Commissioner, invaluable human lives, all

accidents cause avoidable pain, grief and misery economic loss. 3. A Road Safety Council has been established in Tamil Nadu under Section 215 of the Motor Vehicle Act 1988 under the Chairmanship of the Transport G.O.Ms. Minister. In as well as

Chief Engineer Highways, Director of Medical Services, Director of Medical Education are requested to take necessary action to carry out the actions delineated in the Road Safety Policy of the Government. ROAD SAFETY POLICY 1. The road accident scenario in Tamil Nadu is causing concern. The rapidly increasing vehicle

No.767,

Home

(Transport V) Department dated 20.7.2000, the Government

created the office of the Road Safety Commissioner within the Transport Commissionerate to advise the Government on Road Safety Policies and coordinate Road Safety measures. The

population is contributing to an alarming increase in accidents. 2. Nearly 10,000 people are killed in about 51,000 accidents annually. While fatal accidents cause loss of

Government also created a Road Safety fund vide G.O. Ms. No.768, Home (Transport V) Department dated 20.7.2000 for to provide Safety

resources

Road

measures. Detailed guidelines for the operation of the Fund were issued in the Tamil Nadu Road Safety Rules 2000. The

the need to further strengthen the Government's policy on Road

Safety. The Government of Tamil Nadu is determined to take

Government's approach to Road Safety is enunciated in the Policy Note of the Home Department (Motor Vehicles Acts

concerted measures to control the incidence of road accidents and ensure safe travel for ail road users. Accordingly, the

Administration, Demand No.25) presented to the Legislative Assembly. This identifies approach

Government of Tamil Nadu feels the need to formulate and

enunciate this separate Road Safety Policy, which will act as a guide to the Departments

technology,

enforcement and education as major thrust areas, and

concerned and to the public. VISION Stop and reverse the increasing trend in the number of accidents, number of deaths and number of injuries through comprehensive measures covering technology,

recognizes the need for driver training, driver skill testing, setting up of emergency accident relief centres, improvement of road infrastructure and several other aspects. 4. The increasing number of

enforcement,

education and

accidents and consequent loss of lives and resources underscore

emergency care.

MEDIUM TERM OBJECTIVE 6. Achieve a 20 per cent reduction in fatalities and injuries by 2013, considering 2006 as the base year. To realize this vision and achieve the static objective, an in-depth analysis of the factors affecting Road Safety such as road environment, road users and vehicles has been carried out and the following have been planned. measures

data base the Government of Tamil Nadu intends to * improve the system of accident data collection and carry out

comprehensive analysis and * pursue the policy of

computerization and centralization of data relating to vehicles, drivers, road conditions, load impact, crash details, etc. Safe Road Infrastructure 8. Improving the road environment will

ACTIONS Improved Data Collection

have a positive impact on road safety. In this regard, the

process and

Reliable Safety

Government intends to * continuously identify accident

Information Database

7. Accident data is crucial to address Road Safety problems. It is a source of information for facilitators and

prone areas ("black spots") on the basis of accident intensity and severity using appropriate

planners,

indicators and make effective improvements, 4 introduce the latest planning, design and construction techniques

researchers. Towards improving the data collection process and developing a reliable accident

in a sustained manner, including appropriate signage and other "road furniture", 4 carry out Road Safety audit,

vigorously pursue the creation of a National Roster for all driving licence holders, 4 ensure effective enforcement to check violation of basic safety requirements and drunken driving and implement deterrent penal provisions. Appropriate use of

wherever appropriate and create institutional arrangements sustain this activity and * remove encroachments and to

obstructions affecting the full use of roads. Safe Driving 9. Driver error is a major cause of road accidents and to address this issue, the intends to 4 undertake safety campaigns and vigorously motivate drivers to wear crash helmets and fasten seat belts, 4 enforce fastening of seat belts and wearing of helmets statutory rules, as per Government

technological measures like smart cards and high security number plates will be made and 4 promote the establishment of an adequate number of properly equipped driving schools. Safety of Vulnerable Road Users 10.Pedestrians, children are cyclists and

particularly

vulnerable and are involved in a large number of accidents. To ensure safety road for these

vulnerable

users, the

Government intends to 4 make road safety education in

4 introduce a more effective and efficient licensing procedure and

programmes schools,

mandatory

* organize

c a m p a i g n s and

Institutional and Financial Mechanism 12. An effective institutional

orientation programmes for all categories of road users and

make them aware of their responsibilities and * place special emphasis on safety of vulnerable groups like school children, the disabled and senior citizens. Safe Speed 11. Each road is designed for use at a particular speed, neglecting which leads to accidents. To ensure safe speed the

mechanism is essential for sustainable Road Safety Policy implementation. In order to strengthen the institutional and financial mechanism the

Government intends to strengthen the Road Safety Council and the office of the Road Safety Commissioner by creating necessary institutional structures needed to provide effective coordination, for this purpose, the terms of reference of the Executive Committee under the council, currently administering the Road Safety Fund, will be suitably widened. Adequate

Government intends to * introduce revised speed limits after a scientific assessment of stream speeds in different areas and install proper signs indicating the speed limits and * strengthen the enforcement of speed limits through the use of appropriate technology speed cameras. like

attention will

be paid to

enhance the effectiveness of the District level council,

. clearly define the responsibility of each institution involved in the process of ensuring safe roads for all, create necessary support encourage private participation in the task of raising funds for road safety. Effective Enforcement 14. Effective enforcement will have a establish a pro-active system of public participation, involving all stakeholders including State Transport Undertakings and improve co-ordination by allocations direct impact on reduction in accidents and to ensure this the Government intends to
%Sfc

identify

measures

for

augmenting funding for road safety and

structures to enable each institution to effectively play its assigned role,

organize proper training for traffic police personnel for better undertaking and effective

presenting fund

relating to road safety under various Departments and

handling of traffic problems, by improving traffic infrastructure and facilities and ensure greater accountability in the Police introduce recognition service. Force and also a system of facilities, institutional

schemes in a consolidated manner. Increased Funding 13. Road Safety measures require enhanced and recurrent funding support. Towards ensuring this, the Government intends to

of meritorious

EMERGENCY MEDICAL RESPONSE (EMR) 15.Towards making emergency

IMPLEMENTATION & MODIFICATION 16. This policy indicates a broad outline of the measures to be taken. The various of the

medical care available to all accident victims, the Government intends to upgrade and disseminate

Departments

Government wil! formulate specific awareness about the system of appropriate a c c i d e n t care and health effect to this policy. The management through effective Executive Committee of the publicity campaigns, Road Safety Council shall promote involvement of private practitioners and hospitals in periodically review this policy and make to the recommendations Government for action to give measures and take

EMR and Trauma Care through training, adequate safeguards and incentives and e improve the capacity of

modification as and when necessary.

Government hospitals to deal withE.M.R.

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Speed thrills but kills

Don't drink and drive

Better late than never

Drive safe, reach safe

Do the do's; not the dont's

Think of safety and act safely

Safety is not a job; it is a way of life

Leave earlier/drive slower, live longer

Be a safety hero - score an accident zero

Courtesy and common sense promote safety