Top court asks States, U.T.s to frame road safety rules within six months, Pg12

Key Highlights:

• The Supreme Court has directed all States and Union Territories to establish comprehensive road safety rules within six months.
• The rules should address pedestrian protection, helmet compliance, wrong-lane driving, unsafe overtaking, and the use of dazzling LED headlights.
• The order was issued under Sections 138(1A) and 210-D of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
• Government data indicates over 35,000 pedestrians died in road accidents in 2023, and over 54,000 two-wheeler riders died due to not wearing helmets.

Detailed Insights:

• Section 138(1A) of the Motor Vehicles Act empowers State governments to regulate pedestrian and non-mechanized vehicle movement on public roads and national highways.
• Section 210-D mandates standards for the design, construction, and maintenance of roads, excluding national highways.
• The court emphasized the urgent need for safe pedestrian crossings to prevent loss of life, highlighting the link between pedestrian safety and broader policy goals like accident prevention and inclusive mobility.
• The public interest litigation was filed by S. Rajasekaran, a surgeon from Coimbatore, who raised concerns about India's high rate of road fatalities and the lack of attention to road safety by state authorities.
• The court will continue to monitor compliance with its directives, emphasizing the importance of enforcing helmet laws for both riders and pillion passengers.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Public Interest Litigation (PIL): Legal action initiated in court for the protection of public interest.
• Motor Vehicles Act, 1988: Legislation regulating all aspects of road transport vehicles.
• Road Safety: Measures taken to prevent accidents and minimize harm on roads.