Over 150,000 deaths in traffic crashes occur every year in India imposing huge social and financial costs, particularly in low- and middle-income households. Nearly half of these fatalities, occurring in cities or suburban areas, affect the working-age populace the most. Also, children, elderly and the poor are very vulnerable.
Research from WRI Ross Center and the Global Road Safety Facility, World Bank finds that the most effective way to prevent traffic deaths is a systemic approach that shifts responsibility away from the drivers and pedestrians using the roads, and instead puts the onus on city planners and officials designing them. Analysis in 53 countries found that cities that have taken a ‘Safe System’ based approach have achieved both the lowest rates of fatalities per 100,000 inhabitants and the greatest reduction in fatality levels over the past 20 years.
In most Indian cities, 36% of people walk or use cycles, followed by two-wheelers and buses. WRI India has been working with local governments across cities to make streets safer and accessible for all road users.
India, which is home to the largest population of children in the world, loses 31 children every day to road traffic crashes.
In cities like Mumbai, 30% of the crashes occur at intersections. WRI India has been working on junction improvement projects across cities in India.
Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged 5-29. Rohtak in Haryana was one of the 12 cities chosen across the globe for the Botnar Child Road Safety Challenge (BCRSC).
In 2020, WRI India worked with local agencies, and various cycling ambassadors in the city to create India's first ever pop up cycle lanes along the Outer Ring Road, an arterial road that loops around Bengaluru.
WRI India initiated the Mumbai Street Lab (MSL), a first-of-its-kind street design initiative led by Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) to redesign the streets of Mumbai. The success was subsequently replicated with the Delhi Street Lab (DSL) launched by the Delhi Transport Department.