Every morning, millions of children pour out on to Indian roads as they make their way to school. But exactly how safe are these kids on the road? Almost no one mentions children when talking about road safety, even though they’re the most vulnerable ones on the road.
According to Maruti Suzuki’s annual India Road Safety Index, conducted as part of the Maruti Suzuki India Road Safety Mission, Kolkata is the safest city when it comes to road safety for children. Pune has proven itself to be the second safest, with Raipur coming a close third. Ahmedabad and Mumbai stand at fourth and fifth place respectively. The study was conducted over a period of 3 months and took feedback from 6,000 people living in 10 major cities across the country. Maruti Suzuki’s India Road Safety Index rates these Indian cities on key road safety parameters like road safety for children, motor laws, traffic control, pedestrian rights, etc.
When it comes to road safety, we need to stop talking about only motorists. We, as a nation, need to become more sensitive about the road safety of children. Here are some steps we can take to ensure every child stays safe on the road.
Teach kids about road safety
Not just motorists need to know traffic rules. It’s crucial to teach kids these rules too, in addition to teaching them how to stay safe on the road. They need to be taught things like – after getting off the school bus never cross in front of the bus, always wait for the traffic light to turn red before crossing the road, wear seat belts while travelling in cars, etc.
Lead by example
Whether you have kids of your own or other kids in the family, make sure they see you following traffic rules. Always wear your seatbelt and make them wear theirs too. Most kids learn by example and if you take pride in breaking rules and getting away with it, they will too.
Kids need helmets too
Helmets save lives, but for some reason, kids riding pillion on two-wheelers are often seen without helmets on Indian roads. Wearing helmets needs to be made mandatory for all two-wheeler riders, no matter what their age.
Road safety awareness programs
Many accidents occur because people don’t know traffic rules properly. Which is why, it’s crucial to have road safety awareness programs for everyone from school kids to school bus drivers to regular motorists.
Road signs outside schools
All drivers need to be extra careful while driving through school and residential areas because you never know when a running child might dart in front of the vehicle. This problem can be solved if there are clear signs outside every school and residential area, telling everyone to drive slowly.
Legislation governing school buses
If every state had legislation governing school buses, like Maharashtra School Bus Policy or Tamil Nadu’s Motor Vehicles Special Rules, then children would be much safer on Indian roads.
Let’s hope the authorities are taking note while we pledge to do our own bit towards happier, safer Indian roads. For more information about the Maruti Suzuki’s initiative and the Road Safety Index click here.
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