Footpaths, Helmets, Headlights: Supreme Court Issues Strong Directions To Improve Road Safety In India
Road safety continues to be one of India’s most urgent public concerns. In 2023 alone, the country witnessed 1,72,890 deaths due to road accidents, with over 35,000 pedestrians losing their lives. This means one in every five road accident deaths was a pedestrian.
Concerned by the rising numbers, the Supreme Court of India has issued a series of comprehensive directions aimed at making Indian roads safer for pedestrians, two-wheeler riders, and all commuters.
Why This Matters
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) highlighted the alarming rise in road accidents and the lack of proper enforcement by states. Responding to this, a Supreme Court Bench headed by Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K.V. Viswanathan passed a detailed order to ensure better road infrastructure and stricter rule enforcement across the country.
For students, staff, and parents at NRSM, these directions are especially relevant as they impact daily travel safety around schools, bus routes, and community areas.
Key Highlights of the Supreme Court’s Directions
1. Footpaths Must Be Safe, Clean, and Accessible
The Court noted that footpaths in many cities are encroached, broken, or misused, forcing pedestrians to walk on the road.
The Court Ordered:
- Municipal bodies, NHAI, and road agencies must conduct footpath and pedestrian crossing audits in 50 major cities.
- Priority areas include:
- School zones
- Markets
- Railway & bus stations
- Temples and public institutions
- 15–20 high-risk spots with recent pedestrian accidents must be reviewed urgently.
- Audits must check:
- Zebra crossing visibility
- Proper lighting
- Traffic-calming measures
- Safety and cleanliness of foot overbridges & subways
2. Strict Enforcement of Helmet Rules
Two-wheeler accidents contribute to nearly 70% of road deaths involving riders without helmets.
Directions Issued:
- All states and Union Territories must enforce helmet laws strictly.
- Riders and pillion passengers must wear ISI-certified helmets.
- Traffic police should use e-enforcement, including cameras and automated challan systems.
3. Tackling Wrong-Lane Driving and Rash Overtaking
Wrong-lane driving, especially near intersections, has become a major cause of road accidents.
Court’s Directives:
- Use of automated cameras for lane discipline.
- Graduated fines for repeat offenders.
- Installation of rumble strips and tyre killers near conflict zones.
4. Ban on Misuse of High-Beam LED Headlights & Illegal Hooters
Many private vehicles use dazzling LED lights, red-blue beacons, and loud hooters, causing panic among other road users.
The Court Ordered:
- Ministry of Road Transport and state transport departments must fix maximum permissible brightness & beam angles.
- Complete ban on:
- Unauthorized beacons
- Flashing LED bars
- Illegal sirens and hooters
- Police and RTOs must enforce penalties strictly.
5. Online Grievance System for Road & Footpath Issues
To fast-track solutions, the Court has directed all authorities to develop a public online complaint portal.
Features Must Include:
- Easy reporting of broken footpaths, poor lighting, unsafe crossings, etc.
- Time-bound resolution.
- Review mechanism by senior officials if the citizen is not satisfied.
6. States Must Frame Road Safety Rules Within 6 Months
All states and UTs must frame rules under Sections 138(1A) and 210-D of the Motor Vehicles Act to regulate:
- Pedestrian access
- Road design
- Traffic calming measures
- Infrastructure maintenance
Why This Is Important for NRSM Students & Parents
- Safer footpaths and crossings mean safer school commutes.
- Strict helmet enforcement protects students who ride bikes or scooters.
- Better street lighting and regulated headlights reduce night-time accidents.
- Online complaint systems empower parents and teachers to report unsafe zones around school areas.
At NRSM, safety is a priority—not just within the school but also on the roads our students use every day. These Supreme Court directives promise a safer environment for the entire community.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s strong stance on road safety is a crucial step toward reducing accidents and saving lives. With proper enforcement and citizen participation, India can move closer to safer, more organized roads for everyone—especially for our children.
