The roads of India present a troubling reality – high number of preventable road accident fatalities. Official data indicates that 168,491 lives were lost in 2022, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced road safety practices. Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, attributes road safety issues in India primarily to behavioural concerns, such as reckless driving, disregard for traffic rules, and a lack of responsibility on the roads.
In this context, Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan seeks to instigate positive behaviour change by promoting empathy, collective responsibility, and respect for fellow road users on Indian roads. The 2023 edition, guided by principles of education, awareness, and responsibility, brought together prominent figures to advocate for consistent safety gear use and adherence to traffic laws.
Building upon the success of its 2023 telethon, Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan enters its second year with SaveLIFE Foundation, a national level organisation committed to improving road safety and emergency medical care across India, as its knowledge partner.
This edition focuses on cultivating empathy behind the wheel, aiming to trigger positive behaviour changes by sensitising citizens to the value of every life. Emphasising positive reinforcement, the campaign recognizes and rewards safe driving practices, envisioning a ripple effect that creates a culture of respect and responsibility on roads.
The campaign encapsulates the essence of “Samvedana Ka Safar” by uncovering the four pillars that guide responsible behaviour on the roads:
- Respect (स मान)- Recognizing the sanctity of human life and actively prioritising actions that protect it.
- Patience (संयम) – Practising patience by adhering to traffic rules and driving
within limits, prioritising safety over impulsive actions.
- Safety (सरु ा) – Embracing personal and technological safety measures that create a secure environment for all road users
- Collaboration (सहयोग) – Recognizing that positive change requires a collective
effort where individuals, civil society, and the government work in unison.
Recognizing the vital role of empowering citizens, the campaign aims to encourage bystander intervention through education about the Good Samaritan Law. Statistics suggest that over 70,000 lives could be saved if more people come forward to help accident victims, effectively reinforcing the pillars of respect (स मान) and collaboration (सहयोग).
The initiative expands its reach through eight regional chapters, namely Chennai, Bengaluru, Kanpur, Indore, Nagpur, Jaipur, Chandigarh, and Patna, engaging in local dialogues to tailor solutions to diverse regional needs. Acknowledging the power of youth, the campaign actively involves schools and colleges through cross-country activations, aiming to create a lasting impact and foster a culture of responsible road use.
Culminating in a grand telethon featuring prominent figures and experts, the campaign seeks to resonate with a wider audience and ignite national conversations about road safety. While infrastructure plays a role, the collective journey towards safer roads in India ultimately depends on each individual choosing empathy and responsibility behind the wheel.
Samvedana Ka Safar invites every citizen to become a responsible road user, choosing respect, patience, safety, and collaboration. This collective effort holds the power to not only save lives but also contribute to the nation’s overall well-being and progress, paving the way for a brighter future where every journey is safe and sound.
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