Editor,
Every year, the lives of approximately 1.19 million people are cut short as a result of road traffic crashes. Between 20 and 50 million more people suffer non-fatal injuries, with many incurring disabilities. Road traffic injuries cause considerable economic losses to individuals, their families, and nations as a whole. These losses arise from the cost of treatment and lost productivity for those killed or disabled by their injuries, as well as for family members who need to take time off work or school to care for the injured. Road traffic crashes cost most countries 3% of their gross domestic product (according to WHO Report). Concerning the recent incident in the city involving two NEHU students resulting in serious injuries caused by alcoholic drivers has created goosebumps for all the citizens, especially the pedestrians in the city. The risk of death for pedestrians hit by car fronts rises rapidly (4.5 times from 50 km/h to 65 km/h). In the case of drink-driving, the risk of a road traffic crash starts at low levels of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and increases significantly when the driver’s BAC is ≥ 0.04 g/dl.
The design of roads can have a considerable impact on their safety. Ideally, roads should be designed with the safety of all road users in mind. This would mean ensuring that there are adequate facilities for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. Measures such as footpaths, cycling lanes, safe crossing points, and other traffic-calming measures can be critical to reducing the risk of injury among these road users. The lack of proper footpaths, zebra crossings, and a lack of awareness about road etiquette have made Indian streets a very hazardous place to walk.
The escalating pedestrian fatality rate in the city is a pressing issue that requires a multi-faceted approach involving all stakeholders. Through a combination of improved infrastructure, targeted safety campaigns, enhanced law enforcement, and community engagement, it is possible to reverse this trend and ensure that walking remains a safe and viable transportation option.
Archie Rymbai
Pohkseh West 1
Via e-mail
