Rajasthan High Court Alarms Over Rising Road Deaths, Demands Action
The Rajasthan High Court has called the state’s escalating road accident crisis a “matter of grave concern” and ordered authorities to submit a detailed report on safety measures. This comes as Rajasthan ranks among India’s worst-performing states in road fatalities, with over 11,000 deaths in 2022 alone.
Court’s Stern Directive: Officials Given 4 Weeks to Respond
During a hearing on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), a bench led by Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava slammed the government for poor enforcement of traffic laws and neglected infrastructure. The court directed the transport department, police, and NHAI (National Highways Authority of India) to submit a comprehensive report within four weeks, outlining:
✔ Road condition improvements (potholes, lighting, signage)
✔ Traffic law enforcement (speed checks, seatbelt/helmet compliance)
✔ Emergency response upgrades (faster ambulances, trauma care)
The judges stressed, “The loss of lives due to preventable accidents is unacceptable.”
Why Is Rajasthan’s Road Safety in Crisis?
Recent NCRB (National Crime Records Bureau) data highlights alarming trends:
🔴 25,000+ accidents in 2022 – 11,000+ deaths
🔴 Top Causes:
1. Poor roads: Lack of signage, lighting, and maintenance.
2. Reckless driving: Speeding, drunk driving, and ignoring safety gear.
3. Slow emergency care: Delayed ambulances in rural areas.
4. Overloaded vehicles: Trucks and buses flouting weight limits.
Public and Activists Demand Accountability
Road safety advocates accuse the government of empty promises. Rakesh Sharma, a Jaipur-based activist, said:
“Highway construction gets funds, but basic safety—like crash barriers—is ignored.”
Victims’ families shared heartbreaking stories. Meena Devi (Udaipur), who lost her son to a speeding truck, pleaded:
“Stricter rules could have saved him.”
What Changes Are Expected?
The court’s intervention has raised hopes for reforms, including:
🚔 Stricter policing: More e-challans, traffic patrols.
🛣️ Infrastructure fixes: Pothole repairs, streetlights, speed cameras.
📢 Awareness drives: Promoting helmets, seatbelts, anti-drunk driving campaigns.
🚑 Faster emergency aid: More trauma centers on highways.
Government’s Response: Promises vs. Reality
Transport Minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas claimed AI-based traffic monitoring is in the works. However, critics point to past failures in execution.
Conclusion: Will Rajasthan Finally Make Roads Safer?
With the next hearing weeks away, the court’s push could force real change. For now, the message is clear: Preventable road deaths must stop.
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