India has been honoured with the Prince Michael Decade of Action Road Safety Award for its significant progress in enhancing vehicle safety standards over the past decade. This recognition was announced at the 4th Ministerial Conference on Road Safety in Marrakech, where global leaders convened to discuss strategies to reduce road fatalities by 50% by 2030.

India's efforts in improving road safety have been driven by major policy reforms in vehicle safety standards. The country introduced a new car safety assessment system and made anti-lock braking systems (ABS) mandatory in all new two-wheelers—key initiatives that contributed to securing this prestigious award. Morocco was also recognised for similar efforts.

India’s push for stricter vehicle safety norms began after independent crash tests in 2014 revealed serious safety shortcomings in Indian vehicles. In response, the government implemented several measures to improve standards:

●     Mandatory ABS in Two-Wheelers: Ensuring better braking stability and reducing skidding risks.

●     Stronger Crash Test Requirements: Vehicles must pass more rigorous safety tests before entering the market.

●     Alignment with Global Standards: Indian safety regulations have been updated to match European norms.

Despite these advancements, road safety remains a major challenge. In 2023 alone, India recorded over 173,000 road accident fatalities, underscoring the need for continued efforts to improve safety, particularly for pedestrians and two-wheeler riders.

India’s transformation in road safety was set in motion by independent crash tests in 2014, which exposed significant flaws in vehicle safety. This prompted a national movement to align Indian regulations with European standards by 2023. While regulatory changes, such as the introduction of ABS, have made a difference, concerns remain regarding high accident rates involving vulnerable road users.

At the Marrakech conference, discussions centred on global collaboration to enhance road safety. Key strategies included:

●     Infrastructure improvements for safer roads.

●     Public awareness campaigns on responsible driving.

●     Technological advancements like smart traffic management systems.

This award not only highlights India's progress but also emphasises its role in global road safety efforts. Countries worldwide are working towards a shared goal of halving road deaths by 2030, and India's reforms provide a model for other nations.

●     Knowledge Sharing: Learning from global best practices.

●     Technology Adoption: Exploring smart traffic solutions and autonomous vehicles.

●     Cross-Border Collaboration: Working together to improve road safety globally.

While India’s achievement is commendable, there is a pressing need to address broader road safety challenges, especially for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. Moving forward, a multi-pronged approach is necessary:

●     Community Engagement: Encouraging local initiatives to promote road safety awareness.

●     Better Infrastructure: Designing roads with dedicated lanes for cyclists and pedestrians.

●     Technology Integration: Using AI-driven traffic management and vehicle safety innovations.

As India continues its journey towards safer roads, the focus must remain on sustaining these reforms and protecting all road users—not just drivers.