The World Health Organization (WHO) has unveiled troubling statistics about road safety in its recent "South-East Asia Regional Status Report on Road Safety," presented at the "Safety 2024" conference, the 15th World Conference on Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion. The report underscores that a staggering 66 per cent of road fatalities in South-east Asia involve two-wheeler riders, cyclists, and pedestrians, with India seeing a particularly high number of fatalities among these groups.

Statistics of traffic-related deaths

Globally, two- and three-wheeler users account for 30 per cent of road traffic deaths, while occupants of four-wheeled vehicles make up 25 per cent. Pedestrians represent 21 per cent, and cyclists account for 5 per cent. The remaining 20 per cent includes those in large vehicles and unspecified types.

In the South-East Asia region, the proportions are even more stark: 46 per cent of deaths involve powered two- and three-wheelers, 12 per cent involve occupants of four-wheeled vehicles, 17 per cent involve pedestrians, 3 per cent involve cyclists, and 22 per cent fall into other categories. This highlights a critical safety issue, as vulnerable road users—pedestrians, motorized two-wheeler users, and cyclists—constitute 66 per cent of road traffic fatalities in the region. In India, this trend is especially pronounced, with 45.1 per cent of road traffic deaths involving two and three-wheeler riders.

The report reveals that similar patterns are observed in other South-East Asian countries: Maldives (100 per cent), Myanmar (47  per cent), and Thailand (51.4 per cent) also show high percentages of fatalities among two and three-wheeler users.

Road-safety measures

Vehicle maintenance: Ensure regular checks on your vehicle’s engine, brakes, lights, and tires. Proper maintenance can prevent breakdowns and hazardous situations, especially in unsafe areas.

Fuel management: Keep your fuel tank at least half full to avoid running out of fuel in risky locations. It’s safer to refuel at familiar stations rather than isolated ones.

Emergency/kit: Equip your car with a comprehensive emergency kit, including a flashlight, first aid supplies, vehicle documents (RC, insurance), and basic tools. Consider adding pepper spray for additional security. These items can be crucial in emergencies.

Tyre inflator: Invest in a portable tyre inflator for emergencies and learn how to change a tyre yourself. Be cautious of potential scammers; if someone tries to alert you to a flat tyre, drive to a safer location before checking.

Implementing these safety measures can significantly improve road safety and help reduce the risk of accidents.