Enhancing Road Safety in Uttar Pradesh: The Urgent Need for Speed Management Guidelines

Uttar Pradesh Faces a Critical Road Safety Crisis with 16,607 Speeding-Related Incidents and 9,297 Fatalities in 2022, Highlighting the Need for Immediate Action

Uttar Pradesh is facing a critical road safety crisis, with road accidents and fatalities on the rise. According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) 2022 report, road accidents in the state increased from 41,746 in 2018 to 42,568 in 2022, while fatalities rose from 22,256 to 22,595. A significant contributor to this alarming trend is speeding, which is responsible for a large portion of these fatalities. In 2022, Uttar Pradesh registered 16,607 speeding incidents, resulting in 9,297 fatalities.

In the context of National Road Safety Month, observed in January, now is a critical time to focus on addressing road safety issues, particularly those related to speeding. This month serves as an important reminder to emphasize speed management as a preventive measure to reduce road fatalities.

The Science Behind Speeding’s Deadly Impact

Research consistently shows that speeding is a significant risk factor for road accidents. For every 1 km/h increase in speed, the likelihood of a crash with injury rises by 3%, and the chances of a fatal crash increase by 4-5%. According to a WHO study, a car occupant involved in a crash at 80 km/h is 20 times more likely to die than at 30 km/h. As Professor Bhargab Maitra from IIT Kharagpur highlights, when a car’s speed increases from 30 km/h to 80 km/h, the likelihood of death in a crash rises 20-fold, underscoring the critical need for effective speed management to prevent fatalities.

The Role of Speed Management

Speed management is a proven, immediate solution to reduce fatalities, particularly in areas with high accident rates. Setting and enforcing scientifically-backed speed limits can drastically lower accident risks. The role of speed management in reducing fatalities cannot be overstated. By setting and enforcing scientifically-backed speed limits, the risk of accidents can be significantly lowered, ultimately saving lives.

State-Specific Constraints and Challenges

Uttar Pradesh faces numerous challenges that complicate road safety efforts. These include physical constraints such as high population density, along with a mix of non-motorized and motorized traffic. Industrial, commercial, and residential traffic all compete for space on narrow roads during peak hours, leaving two-wheeler riders and pedestrians especially vulnerable. The state also struggles with poor lane discipline, slow-moving vehicles, and unauthorized motor vehicles. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that combines speed management, infrastructure improvements, and public awareness campaigns.

A Comprehensive Approach for Safer Roads

The Safe System Approach, which emphasizes shared responsibility and proactive safety measures, is essential for improving road safety. This approach includes principles such as:

Death and serious injuries are unacceptable.
Safety measures should minimize harm despite human error.
Systems should account for human vulnerability.
Road safety responsibility is shared across all sectors.
Proactive safety measures are key.

Implementing speed management policies, conducting safe speed audits, and setting appropriate speed limits are crucial steps toward ensuring safer roads in Uttar Pradesh.

Support for Speed Management Guidelines

Consumer VOICE, a leading consumer organization, has been a strong proponent of speed management frameworks. Ashim Sanyal, CEO of Consumer VOICE, states, “Adopting speed management frameworks, such as those proposed by IIT Kharagpur, is essential for reducing road fatalities. By setting scientifically-based speed limits, we can significantly decrease accidents and make our roads safer for all.”

Abhishek Srivastava, Chairperson of Consumers Guild, Lucknow, echoes this sentiment: “Speed management is not just about enforcing limits; it’s about saving lives. With the increasing number of accidents caused by speeding, it’s time to take decisive steps to implement these guidelines across the state.”

Case Study: West Bengal’s Speed Management Initiative

The West Bengal government has introduced a scientifically-backed speed management policy to reduce road accidents and fatalities. The new speed limits, notified in January 2025, range from 10 to 50 km/h depending on road conditions, with specific restrictions for school and market zones. Urban and non-urban roads passing through areas with significant motor vehicle and pedestrian interaction are capped at 30 km/h, reducing the fatality risk to within 10%. In school zones, the limit is set at 25 km/h, while urban areas have a maximum of 50 km/h.

The policy, developed with technical guidance from IIT Kharagpur, focuses on defining safe speed limits under varying scenarios and ensuring effective enforcement. For buses, the limit is 20 km/h, which may be reduced to 10 km/h in high-risk pockets. By adopting global best practices tailored to local conditions, the state aims to significantly reduce road fatalities.

This initiative highlights the importance of technical collaboration and strategic enforcement, setting a benchmark for other states to enhance road safety through evidence-based speed management.

Prof. Bhargab Maitra from IIT Kharagpur stated, “West Bengal’s scientifically determined speed limits are a key step in reducing road fatalities. In collaboration with IIT Kharagpur, the state has implemented data-driven interventions to improve road safety, particularly in school and market zones. This initiative sets an example for other states to follow, with a strong commitment to reducing fatalities and prioritizing public safety.”

The rising number of road accidents and fatalities in Uttar Pradesh demands immediate action. Speed management is one of the most effective, scientifically-backed strategies to reduce fatalities. By implementing a Speed Management Policy, conducting safe speed audits, and enforcing appropriate speed limits, Uttar Pradesh can make significant strides in reducing road deaths and injuries. With support from experts, advocacy groups, and the government, the state can create safer roads for all its citizens.

As National Road Safety Month underscores the need for action, now is the time to prioritize speed management and take decisive steps to protect lives on the roads.