Tamil Nadu, which recorded the highest number of road accidents in India and the second-highest fatalities in 2022, is grappling with a critical road safety issue—speeding. Out of 57,321 road accidents in the state, 15,653 fatalities were directly linked to speeding, accounting for more than 70% of road deaths across the nation. These concerning statistics underscore the urgency of implementing targeted measures to reduce fatalities and enhance road safety in the state.
In response to this growing concern, the Citizen Consumer and Civic Action Group (CAG) organised a consultation on December 20th in Chennai, focused on developing speed management guidelines to improve road safety. The session brought together key stakeholders to explore viable solutions, with expert insights from Bhargab Maitra, a professor at IIT Kharagpur, who highlighted that controlling speed is “the single low-hanging fruit” in reducing fatalities.
The consultation explored successful models, particularly drawing from the Speed Management Policy recently adopted in West Bengal. This policy, developed in collaboration with IIT Kharagpur and global road safety experts, is the first of its kind in India. It embraces a Safe System Approach, which offers a holistic framework to mitigate road traffic risks. This approach recognises that while human error in road crashes is inevitable, the system should be designed to minimise the impact, preventing fatalities or severe injuries.
From a sustainability perspective, effective speed management can significantly contribute to safer, more resilient urban infrastructure. Reducing road fatalities aligns with broader sustainability goals by promoting safer roads and reducing the economic and social costs associated with accidents. It also supports the development of a transportation system that balances safety, environmental concerns, and public well-being. As Tamil Nadu looks towards implementing these guidelines, it not only takes a crucial step towards safeguarding lives but also towards fostering sustainable urban growth and mobility.
