New Delhi, August 2, 2023 – In a recent road safety awareness campaign held in Delhi, Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari expressed deep concern over the rising number of road accidents in the country. He revealed that a staggering 5 lakh accidents occur annually, resulting in the loss of 1.5 lakh lives.
Youth at Greater Risk
Gadkari highlighted that a significant 60 per cent of these accidents claim the lives of people between the ages of 18 to 34. The impact of these accidents also poses a substantial economic burden, amounting to a 3.14 per cent loss to the nation’s GDP. “This is a big problem for us,” lamented the Union Minister.
New Technology to the Rescue
During a session in the Rajya Sabha today, Ghulam Ali raised a question regarding road accidents, which prompted Nitin Gadkari to introduce a new technology aimed at preventing accidents on highways.
Innovative Crash Barriers
Gadkari emphasized the importance of road safety even in hilly areas, where accidents are prevalent. In the past, crash barriers were made of iron, but the Union Minister disclosed the application of a new technology. This technique involves embedding a round plastic device in concrete, which acts as a resilient barrier. When a truck or vehicle collides with it, the device absorbs the impact and bounces back, preventing any potential fall.
Cost Concerns
Though the new technology proves to be effective, it comes with a higher price tag. These accidents are more common in challenging terrains like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir, and Arunachal Pradesh. The Minister informed that experimental deployments have taken place in some regions, and efforts are being made to explore ways to reduce accidents using this method.
The Union Minister’s initiative to address road safety concerns and introduce innovative measures reflects the government’s commitment to curbing the rising number of accidents in the country. The implementation of the new technology could potentially save countless lives and contribute to safer road conditions for all citizens.
