With the advancement of technology, processes are becoming faster and simpler whether it is related to health, information technology, construction or transport industry. It is in our hands how we utilize this advancement to see a better tomorrow. But when it comes to Indian traffic system, unfortunately this progress has lead to more harms then benefits. Let me give you a brief insight into Indian roadways data, from 300,000 vehicles on a road network of 400,000 kilometers in 1951, the number of vehicles has gone up nearly a 170 times till 2000, whereas the road network has expanded by only nine times.

Along with rapid increase in country's population the vehicle population also rises at an alarming rate. It has been estimated that by 2050, there will be over 267 million vehicles on Indian roads. Does India have the sufficient roads to accommodate so many vehicles? Needless to say roads are becoming overcrowded and accidents are inevitable under such conditions. Of the worldwide annual average of 700,000 road accidents, 10 per cent occur in India.

Its big time that Indian authorities should begin to realize the importance of employing more funds to build a well designed accident-proof transport system with sufficient amount of road network. It is their prime duty to save precious human lives by taking all possible measures and tools available at their disposal - through technologies, studies and experience.

Another area which again contributes to large number of casualties is lack of life saving mechanisms like airbags, crash sensors and crumple zones in road traffic. These mechanisms have proved very successful in saving precious lives involved in road accidents, in other parts of the world. Such safety systems must be made mandatory for vehicles in India to enhance Road Traffic safety in India.

However, in a country like India which is primarily ruled by bureaucrats implementing such projects and rules are easier said then done. What we need is an independent and inviolable safety regulator vested with sufficient powers to mandate Road safety rules in India. All the stakeholders, the government, the insurance industry and the manufacturers must come together to provide necessary funds for creation of world-class testing and research facilities to enhance the standard of driving safety in India in all aspects.