THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI KAMAL NATH)
(a) to (e) The data on total number of road accidents on National Highways does not indicate an increasing trend. The number of road accidents that occurred on the National Highways has decreased during the year 2007 (the latest available data). The share of road accidents on National Highways has also remained nearly constant within a narrow range of 29 % to 30.4 %. This Ministry has, however, been taking a number of steps to prevent road accidents. The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 provides for compensation to the road accident victims/dependents, both in “Hit & Run” cases and where the vehicle causing the accident has been identified.
A statement containing the detailed point-wise reply is laid on the table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) to (e) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.356 FOR ANSWER ON 28.07.2009 ASKED BY SHRI ARJUN MEGHWAL AND SHRI K.J.S.P. REDDY REGARDING ACCIDENTS ON NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
(a)& (b) The number of road accidents on National Highways (NH) reported during the year 2007 has decreased as compared to those reported in the year 2006. Further, the share of road accidents on National Highways has remained nearly constant within a narrow range of 29 % to 30.4 %. State-wise break-up of number of road accidents, number of persons killed and number of persons injured on National Highways(including Expressways) for each of the years 2004 to 2007 (the latest available data) is annexed. Road accident data is compiled in the Ministry in a format developed as per the Asia Pacific Road Accident Database (APRAD) project of United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia Pacific (UNESCAP). In this format, specific NH-wise data of road accidents is not compiled.
(c)& (d) The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 provides for compensation to the road accident victims/ dependents as per the details given below:-
(i) Compensation in hit-and-run cases:-
Death Rs.25,000/-
Grievous Hurt Rs.12,500/-
(ii) Compensation on “No fault principle”.
Compensation to road accident victims on `no fault principle` (i.e where the victims or their heirs/successors do not have to prove the negligence of the driver of the motor vehicle causing the accident to claim such compensation) is given as per the Structured Compensation Formula prescribed under the Act. The amount of compensation depends upon the age and annual income of the victim. The maximum amount of compensation in respect of permanent disability and death respectively comes to Rs. 7,20,000/- and Rs. 4,80,000/- (reduced by 1/3rd in consideration of the expenses which the victim would have incurred towards maintaining himself had he been alive). To the amount thus determined, certain general damages like funeral expenses, loss of consortium(i.e spouse), medical expenses, pain and sufferings(in case of injury) etc. are added.
(iii) Compensation on “ Fault principle”.
The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 also allows application for compensation to Motor Accident Claim Tribunal (MACT) or Civil Court, as the case may be, on the principle of fault/negligence of the driver of the vehicle causing the accident. In such cases, MACT or the Courts award compensation on the merit of the case.
(iv) Compensation paid by the Insurance Companies is only in respect of Claims lodged under the policies issued by the companies. However, in respect of ‘Hit & Run’ claims, some compensation is paid through the Solatium Scheme 1989. The amount paid by the four Public Sector General Insurance Companies through Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal (MACT) etc. for the claims lodged under the insurance policies issued by the said Companies during the last three years is as under:-
Rs. in crores
2006-07 2007-08 2008-09
3741.10 3865.17 3975.2
(e ) The safety of road users is primarily the responsibility of the concerned State Government. However, this Ministry has taken several actions to improve road safety for road users which are as under:
(i) Road safety is an integral part of road design at the planning stage for National Highways/ Expressways.
(ii) Various steps to enhance road safety such as road furniture, road markings/road signs, introduction of Highway Traffic Management System using Intelligent Transport System, enhancement of discipline among contractors during construction, road safety audit on selected stretches, have been undertaken by National Highways Authority of India.
(iii) Refresher training to Heavy Motor Vehicle drivers in the unorganized sector being implemented by the Ministry since 1997-98 under plan activities.
(iv) Involvement of NGOs for road safety activities by Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and National Highways Authority of India.
(v) Setting up of Driving Training School in the country.
(vi) Publicity campaign on road safety awareness both through the audio-visual and print media.
(vii) Institution of National Award for voluntary organizations/individual for outstanding work in the field of road safety.
(viii) Tightening of safety standards of vehicles.
(ix) Providing cranes and ambulances to various State Governments/NGOs under National Highway Accident Relief Service Scheme. National Highways Authority of India also provides ambulances at a distance of 50 Km. on each of its completed stretches of National Highways under its Operation & Maintenance contracts.
(x) Widening and improvements of National Highways from 2 lanes to 4 lanes and 4 lanes to 6 lanes etc. |
