The High Court has sought affidavits on road safety compliance from both state and national highway authorities. This move is aimed at ensuring that road safety standards are being met and maintained on highways, which are critical for public safety. Here’s what you need to know about this development:

Context and Background

• Road Safety Concerns: Increasing road accidents and fatalities have raised concerns about the safety measures implemented on highways.
• Legal Action: The High Court’s directive for affidavits is part of ongoing legal scrutiny to ensure that both state and national highway authorities are adhering to prescribed safety norms.

Details of the High Court’s Directive

• Affidavit Submission: Both state highway authorities and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) are required to submit detailed affidavits.
• Contents of Affidavits: These affidavits should include information on current road safety measures, compliance with national standards, ongoing and planned safety initiatives, and steps taken to address any identified safety issues.

Expected Information in Affidavits

1. Infrastructure and Maintenance:
   • Condition of road surfaces, signage, and lighting.
   • Presence and condition of safety barriers and guardrails.
   • Maintenance schedules and records.
2. Accident Data and Analysis:
   • Statistics on road accidents, including locations, causes, and severity.
   • Analysis of high-risk areas (black spots) and measures taken to mitigate risks.
3. Safety Measures:
   • Implementation of traffic calming measures, such as speed breakers and rumble strips.
   • Enforcement of speed limits and other traffic regulations.
   • Emergency response protocols and facilities, including availability of ambulances and trauma care centers.
4. Public Awareness and Education:
   • Road safety campaigns and programs aimed at educating drivers and pedestrians.
   • Collaboration with schools, colleges, and community organizations to promote road safety.
5. Technology and Innovation:
   • Use of technology for monitoring and managing traffic, such as CCTV cameras and speed detection devices.
   • Innovations in road design and construction to enhance safety.

Importance of Compliance

• Public Safety: Ensuring that highways are safe for travel is crucial for protecting lives and reducing the number of road accidents.
• Legal Accountability: The affidavits will hold the highway authorities accountable for their responsibilities and provide a clear record of their compliance with safety standards.
• Policy Implementation: This process will help in identifying gaps in current policies and practices, paving the way for improved road safety measures.

Next Steps

• Review by High Court: Once the affidavits are submitted, the High Court will review the information to assess the extent of compliance and identify any deficiencies.
• Follow-Up Actions: Based on the affidavits, the court may direct specific actions or improvements to be undertaken by the highway authorities to address any shortcomings.

The High Court’s demand for affidavits on road safety compliance from state and national highway authorities underscores the importance of rigorous safety standards and the need for transparent and accountable governance in maintaining road safety. This initiative is a significant step towards reducing road accidents and ensuring safer travel for all road users.

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