Protective Steps: Necessary Safety Measures to Avoid Road Accidents

Last Updated:January 17, 2025, 14:44 IST

Road accidents are increasing in India, due to which lives are being lost. Helmets, seat belts and reflective clothing can increase safety. Awareness, affordable safety equipment and strict regulations are key to safe roads.

Whenever we leave home, we walk on the road. Be it as a driver, passenger, cyclist or pedestrian, we are always at risk of road accidents. There were 4,80,583 road accidents in India in 2023, in which 1,72,890 people lost their lives and 4,62,425 people were injured. These figures reveal a sad and painful truth. Road accidents are one of the leading causes of death and serious injuries in our country. Pedestrians and two-wheeler drivers are the most vulnerable on the roads, which is why they account for two-thirds of deaths in accidents. However, many of these lives can be saved through proper use of safety gear and simple measures such as helmets, seat belts, reflective clothing and child restraint systems. These are not just assistive devices for us but are life-saving means.

Piyush Tiwari, Founder and CEO of SaveLife Foundation, said – “We need a big awareness campaign at the level of Swachh Bharat Mission, so that the issue of road accidents can be brought to the fore. Many road accidents and the resulting deaths or serious injuries are largely avoidable. For example, mandatory use of seat belts, not only at the front but also at the back, is a very small and simple change in our habits that each of us can adopt every time we step into a four-wheeler. If we make a small click of fastening the seat belt a habit, we take a big step towards ensuring the safety of ourselves and other passengers. “This shows why safety gear is important and what we can do to ensure everyone takes road safety seriously.”

Why are safety equipment important for road safety?

The first goal of safety equipment is not just to prevent injuries but to protect lives. Here are some important safety equipment that can save lives in road accidents:

1. Helmet: Your first safety device. Helmet is not only a legal requirement but it also saves your life. Wearing a helmet reduces the risk of death by 42% and the risk of brain injury by 70% for two-wheeler riders. However, not all helmets provide equal protection. Only ISI-certified helmets provide reliable protection, while trendy, low-cost helmets may look good but may not protect against serious accidents.

2. Seat Belt -Simple but Effective: Seat belt is one of the simplest and most effective safety devices. This reduces the risk of death during a collision by more than half. Importantly, seat belts are not just for front seat occupants – rear seat occupants must also wear seat belts to remain safe during accidents.

3. Reflective Clothing: To avoid accidents, visibility is very important. Many road accidents occur due to low visibility, especially at night. Wearing reflective jackets, vests and bands makes vehicles clearly visible to pedestrians and cyclists, reducing the risk of accidents even on poorly lit roads.

4. Child Control System: Child restraint systems, such as car seats, are not just a luxury and a luxury for the safety of the smallest children, but are essential to protect life. These systems keep children safe during a sudden stop or collision, significantly reducing the risk of serious injuries.

5. Elbow and Knee Guards – Small Steps But Big Impact: Elbow and knee guards, although not mandatory, can significantly reduce the risk of fractures in case of minor accidents or falls, especially for two-wheeler riders. Including these devices in your safety equipment means walking with an added layer of security.

6. Shoes: Safety first starts with the feet. Proper footwear may not seem essential to safety, but it can help prevent slips and skids, especially on wet or rough roads. Whether walking or biking, sturdy shoes increase stability and reduce the risk of falls.

Why don’t people use safety gear?
Despite the invaluable idea of ​​saving lives, many people in India still do not use safety gear. There are some main reasons for this such as:

• Lack of awareness: Many people are unaware of the large range of security tools or equipment available and its importance.
• Price concerns: High-quality safety gear seems expensive, leading people to choose cheaper, less effective options.
• Cultural mindset: There is a belief that safety gear is not necessary for short trips or daily commutes.
• Overconfidence: “No road accident will happen to me” This overconfidence or self-satisfaction in people often puts them in danger on the roads.

What can be done to bring about change?
To make road safety a habit, a culture among people, we need a multidimensional thinking and approach:

1. Awareness campaign: Telling true stories of accident survivors who benefited from safety gear. These real stories will not only make people aware but will also inspire them.
2. Making protective equipment available at affordable prices: Subsidies on high-quality protective gear can make the equipment accessible to more of the population.
3. Strict enforcement of rules: Authorities will have to strictly enforce road safety rules, including fines for not wearing helmets and seat belts.
4. New and Attractive Design: If safety gear is comfortable, stylish and easy to use, people will definitely use it.

Role of community in ensuring road safety
Every time a person wears a helmet, fastens a seatbelt, or ensures the safety of his or her child in a car seat, he or she takes a step toward safer roads. Road safety is everyone’s responsibility and small changes in habits can make a big difference in road accidents.

There’s a basic truth to this problem: safety gear isn’t a hassle – it’s an investment made to save lives. By adopting a culture of responsibility and making safety gear a part of our daily routine, we can create safer roads for all.