Right to Road Safety

Why in News?

Recently, The Supreme Court’s judgment in a tragic road accident case from Coimbatore gives an urgent wake-up call for Indian administrators to introduce lane discipline on chaotic roads.

What is the legality of right to road safety in India?

• Fundamental right – The Supreme Court (SC) has held that the right to safe, well-maintained and motorable roads is an essential component of the fundamental Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution. 
• Constitutional obligation of the State – The SC said that citizens cannot be deprived of safe public infrastructure, especially roads that are vital for mobility, dignity and economic access
• Domain of Article 19 – The right to access any part of the country, with certain exceptions and restrictions under certain circumstances, is a fundamental right under Article 19(1) (g).
  • The free movement depends on well-maintained roads.
• Government’s responsibility – It is the responsibility of the State to develop and maintain well motorable roads under its control.
  • This was held in Umri Pooph Pratappur (Upp) Tollways Pvt. Ltd. v. M.P. Road Development Corporation and Another case.

What is lane discipline?

• Meaning – It refers to the practice of driving within designated lanes on a road and adhering to the rules associated with those lanes.
• Global practise – In countries like Germany, Japan, or Singapore, lane discipline is drilled into the psyche of motorists.
  • This is achieved through driver education sessions and any violation of road safety rules will lead to penalties.

What are the challenges in following lane discipline?

• Poor road infrastructure – Many roads in India are in poor condition, with potholes, uneven surfaces and a lack of clearly marked lanes.
  • This can make it difficult for drivers to stay in their designated lanes.
• Traffic congestion – Indian roads are often congested with vehicles, making it challenging for drivers to maintain lane discipline and avoid collisions.
• Insufficient driver education – Many drivers in India may not have received adequate training on the importance of lane discipline and how to maintain it on the road.
• Corruption – Road Transport Authority conducts namesake tests before issuing driving licences and it is most often riddled with corruption.
• Implementation issues – Lack of enforcement of traffic laws in India, which is often negligent.
  • This can lead to a culture of disregard for traffic rules and lack of accountability towards drivers who do not maintain lane discipline.
• Behavioural problem – Lane discipline may not be a priority for some drivers in India, as there may be cultural or societal pressures that encourage reckless or aggressive driving.
  • They are overconfident in their abilities and may not consider the importance of lane discipline to ensure the safety of all road users. 

What measures can be taken to ensure driving discipline?

• Education – Government needs to ensure people are well educated about traffic rules to end traffic chaos.
• Stringent enforcement – A strict method needs to be followed by government for the efficient enforcement of the road safety rules.
• Insurance policies – Government may incentivise good road behaviour by offering them discounts in health insurance and motor insurance.
• Innovative solutions – Artificial intelligence-driven solutions can be introduced to track people’s driving to penalise them for reckless driving.
• Civic responsibility – People must understand that a driving licence is not a right but a luxury which comes with responsibility.

References

1. Deccan chronicle| road safety – A wakeup call
2. Money Life| State Liable for Unsafe Roads
3. The Indian Express| Road Safety Force