This week, The Pioneer’s Tanisha Saxena sheds light on critical issues surrounding road safety in Hyderabad, focusing on the perilous presence of stationary trucks on highways and the pivotal importance of a vehicle’s structural integrity. Through insightful interviews with industry experts, transport contractors, and automotive specialists, we aim to capture the urgency for collective action in addressing this pressing concern.
The Road Wing deals with development and maintenance of National Highway in the country. Its main responsibilities include planning, development and maintenance of National Highways in the country; extending technical and financial support to State governments for the development of state roads and the roads of inter-state connectivity and economic importance; evolving standard specifications for roads and bridges in the country; and serving as a repository of technical knowledge on roads and bridges.
The Transport Wing deals with matter relating to Road Transport. Its main responsibilities concerning motor vehicle legislation include administration of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988; taxation of motor vehicles; compulsory insurance of motor vehicles; administration of the Road Transport Corporations Act, 1950; and promotion of transport co-operatives in the field of motor transport. It also helps build road safety standards in the form of a National Policy on Road Safety, apart from preparing and implementing the Annual Road Safety Plan.
Most importantly, the Ministry collects, compiles and analyses road accident statistics and takes steps for developing a Road Safety Culture in the country by involving the members of public and organising various awareness campaigns.
Unfortunately, the Ministry leaves a lot to be desired in each of the foregoing areas, mainly due to coordination problems with various states/union territories.
significant contributors to tragic accidents, claiming countless lives due to inadequate safety measures.
Coming back to the heartbreaking March Nandyal incident, the devastating road accident took the lives of four family members, including a newly-wed couple. The vehicle in which the family was returning after a visit to Lord Venkateswara temple in Tirupati collided with a parked truck at Nallagatla village around 5:15 am. All the occupants lost their lives instantly, and the couple, who had tied the knot on February 29, was among the victims.
Similarly, the incident near the Khanapur Crossroads on the outskirts of Hyderabad in 2023, which had claimed the lives of three college students in a collision between a speeding car and a stationary truck, highlight the clear and present danger posed by improperly positioned trucks on our highways.
The hazard of stationary trucks
At the crux of this issue lies the casual halting of trucks on busy highways, devoid of essential safety measures such as hazard lights or warning triangles. Unsuspecting drivers, hurtling towards potential disaster, face dire consequences as fatalities and injuries mount due to these unanticipated obstacles.
K. Hari, transport contractor and commissioning agent at Everyone Packers and Movers, from Hyderabad, says, “The root cause of the hazardous presence of stationary trucks lies in a complex web of factors. Many truck drivers face tight schedules and stringent delivery deadlines, often pushing them to make impromptu stops for rest or unforeseen maintenance issues. Inadequate rest areas and facilities exacerbate this problem, forcing drivers to halt on the shoulder of busy highways, inadvertently putting themselves and other road users at risk.”
Trucks often come to a halt due to the imperative need for drivers to observe mandatory rest periods, mitigating the effects of fatigue and ensuring road safety. “Additionally, unplanned stops may arise from unforeseen mechanical or maintenance issues that demand immediate attention, emphasising the importance of reliable maintenance practices in the trucking industry,” adds K. Hari.
According to a study published by the Danish Public Health Institute, “Major industrialised countries, have Hours-of-Service (HoS) regulations for truck drivers that stipulate duration of continuous driving and rest periods. The purported aim is the improvement of road safety by reducing fatigue and drowsiness, but the regulations can also have a strong impact on the working conditions for drivers. Better working conditions for truck drivers is one of the aims of the HoS regulations, but they do not seem to fully produce the desired benefits.”
The study further highlights that truck drivers continue to grapple with a significant prevalence of back disorders, often associated with prolonged hours behind the wheel! Additionally, they face a heightened risk of heart disease, potentially linked to workplace stress factors. The regulations governing Hours of Service (HoS) play a crucial role in this scenario, as they can limit job control and contribute to social isolation.
So, shifting the focus from merely regulating driving hours to a more comprehensive fatigue management approach could enhance working conditions for truck drivers. This shift aims to address issues like irregular schedules, night driving, and social isolation, ultimately fostering a balance between improved job control and maintaining traffic safety.
He continues: “Despite remarkable advancements in road infrastructure and vehicle technology, the concurrent improvement in drivers’ knowledge of road safety has not kept pace. Modern roads and vehicles boast enhanced features; yet, drivers often lack adequate judgment skills, particularly on highways.
The focus on technological innovations sometimes overshadows the importance of continual driver education and awareness. This imbalance raises concerns about road safety, highlighting the need for comprehensive measures that address both the evolving road environment and the knowledge gaps among drivers.”
Truck accidents are attributed to overworked drivers facing punishing schedules. The majority of the nine million truckers, comprising 69% of freight traffic, experience sleep deprivation and health issues due to extended driving hours! Factors contributing to accidents include overloading, causing issues like tyre bursts and brake failures. Incentives for timely deliveries encourage speeding and overworking. Vision problems, often exacerbated by night driving and exposure to high beams, also contribute to accidents. Lack of access to healthcare compounds the problem, as drivers prioritise their itinerant lifestyle over health concerns.
The analogy of “coke tin cars” aptly describes the vulnerability of vehicles with inferior structural design. While these cars may offer basic transportation, their lack of robust build quality poses a significant risk to occupants in the event of a crash. The indifference towards global crash test results further compounds the problem, perpetuating a cycle of unsafe choices.
Anil Ramachalla, public policy expert, opines; “People often choose less well-built cars due to cost considerations, limited awareness of safety features, influential marketing, short-term financial priorities, perceived minimal need for safety, societal influences, and limited availability of affordable, well-built options. Shifting consumer preferences towards safer vehicles requires addressing these factors.”
Moreover, a perception that well-built cars are difficult to maintain or repair could deter potential buyers. Concerns about higher maintenance costs may dissuade individuals from investing in vehicles known for their durability and safety features!
The emotional appeal of certain brands or models, irrespective of their safety records, can play a pivotal role. Consumers might develop strong brand loyalties based on personal experiences or emotional connections, overlooking objective safety assessments. “In some cases, the lack of accessibility to reliable information about crash test results and safety ratings could hinder informed decision-making. Improving the dissemination of such data and enhancing consumer education can help address this issue and encourage a more safety-conscious approach to car buying,” says Ramachalla.
He emphasises the inadequacy of road signage, highlighting that, unlike in other countries where missing a turn is compensated by clear indications for the next, the situation here poses significant challenges. In India, where many truck drivers may not be tech-savvy, this lack of proper signage not only causes inconvenience but also becomes a potential hazard on highways. The absence of clear guidance increases the likelihood of accidents, as drivers may struggle to navigate unfamiliar routes, contributing to the overall safety concerns on the roads.
According to Aniket Mhatre, a content specialist in technology, “In the wake of the post-pandemic era, there is a notable upswing in automotive alleys across India, particularly for vehicles securing the coveted 5-star safety ratings. A remarkable milestone has been reached, with over 1 million units of these top-rated vehicles sold to date. ‘Safety first’ has emerged as the prevailing ethos, and discerning Gen Z buyers are placing crash test ratings at the forefront of their purchasing decisions. The influx of Electric Vehicles (EVs) into the market is challenging traditional considerations like mileage, signaling a shift in consumer priorities. While the Indian government has mandated essential safety features such as dual airbags, anti-lock braking systems, and speed warnings, the industry is poised for further enhancement.”
Contrary to popular belief, investing in a well-built car can make a substantial difference in survival rates during accidents. Statistics from Global NCAP’s crash tests serve as a testament to this claim. By choosing vehicles with proven safety features and robust structural design, individuals can significantly enhance their chances of walking away from accidents with minimal harm.
Lalit from T&T Motors, points out: “In a country like India, where approximately 4.5 lakh accidents occurred last year, the significance of well-built cars with innovative safety features cannot be overstated. These advanced technologies, ranging from Automated Emergency Braking to Intelligent Intersection systems, play a crucial role in not only preventing accidents but also reducing the severity of collisions. With the potential to decrease accident rates and save lives, these features underscore the importance of prioritising vehicle safety in a nation grappling with a high number of road traffic accidents.”
The need of the hour is a collective effort to raise awareness about the dangers posed by stationary trucks on highways and the imperative to prioritise well-built cars.
“In the pursuit of style and affordability, we must not compromise on the fundamental aspect of vehicle safety – its structural integrity. Crash test results are not just numbers; they represent the difference between life and death on the road. Understanding and demanding information about a car’s structural integrity is crucial for making informed choices that can save lives in the event of an accident,” observes Anant Sharma, an automative safety expert.
“Vehicle manufacturers have a responsibility to prioritise safety in their designs. Structural integrity is not an option; it is a necessity. It is time for collective efforts to raise awareness and set higher standards for automotive safety,” opines Rajesh Kumar, another automotive engineering specialist.
Collaborative efforts for road safety
More than 70% of accidents occur between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM, and head injuries contribute significantly to mortality. Sadly, over 90% of RTA-related deaths involve head injuries. Delayed transportation to hospitals, often exacerbated by the absence of ambulance services and bystander apathy, contributes to this high mortality rate. The critical survival window is the first hour post-injury, yet only 10% of the injured reach the hospital within this golden hour.
Accidents predominantly occur on narrow roads, at road junctions, and on roads with ditches and potholes. Fractures account for over 70% of cases, multiple injuries in 54%, and lower limb injuries in 39%!
Doctor Satya, handling trauma cases at Mamata Academy of Medical Sciences, emphasises: “Road traffic accidents may lead to polytrauma, encompassing fractures, head injuries, ophthalmic trauma, chest and abdominal injuries, and limb injuries. The blunt trauma resulting from accidents is influenced significantly by speed. Proper seat belt usage by front-seat occupants can reduce deaths and serious injuries by 45%. Unbelted rear-seat occupants face a higher risk of severe injuries due to ejection or forceful impact against the front seats. If rear-seat occupants use seat belts, the risk of death for belted front-seat occupants decreases by 80%. While seat belts offer crucial protection, they may leave marks on the trunk and contribute to specific internal injuries. Patients using seat belts have shown a fourfold increase in thoracic trauma and an eightfold increase in intra-abdominal injuries compared to non-users.”
Doctor Raghuveer, Joint Secretary, Rachakonda Security Council (RKSC), Telangana, says: “In the ongoing quest for safer roads, the role of road safety awareness campaigns cannot be overstated. By disseminating information on responsible driving practices, the dangers of fatigue, and the importance of well-built cars, awareness initiatives contribute to a collective understanding of road safety. Furthermore, these campaigns foster a sense of responsibility among drivers, urging them to prioritise safety and adhere to regulations. Through targeted outreach and engaging communication, road safety awareness campaigns play a vital role in shaping a culture of caution and responsibility on the highways, ultimately contributing to a reduction in accidents and the protection of precious lives.”
But, just running awareness campaigns is not enough; people need to take equal responsibility for the cause. Dr Raghuveer contends that individuals tend to lose interest in social issues after a certain duration. He draws a parallel to the heightened sense of responsibility experienced during an awareness campaign, akin to the patriotic fervour felt while watching a war film in a theater. Drawing from his extensive experience of over 750 road shows in the past two years, he asserts that people are primarily motivated by fear of legal consequences, leading them to adhere to traffic rules. Notably, the only discernible change observed is a modest increase in compassion, particularly in giving way to ambulances. Despite these positive shifts, Dr. Raghuveer emphasises that there remains a substantial journey ahead in fostering lasting societal change!
On the whole, the correlation between the perilous presence of stationary trucks and the importance of a vehicle’s structural integrity highlights the multifaceted challenges faced by road safety in India. By addressing these issues head-on, we can pave the way for a safer and more secure driving experience, ultimately saving lives and preventing countless families from bereavement due road accidents.
