Older vehicles account for more accidents in India

New Delhi, Oct. 29: India constitutes to about 3,30,000 injuries and death due to road accident annual, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) said on Friday while emphasising on the vehicular and tyre safety requirements.

While addressing the third virtual edition of 'Road Safety Advocacy for Tyres', Mr. Gaurav H Gupta, Deputy Secretary, MoRTH, said, "Road safety continues to be a concern as it is the leading cause of injury and death across the world, killing more than 30 lakh people globally, with 11 % from our country. Vehicles more than 10 years old accounted for 38% of the accidents. The Ministry of Road, transport and Highways is committed to bring down these fatalities from Road accidents by 50% till 2030, as per the UN Sustainable Development Goals."

The Deputy Secretary also said that the central government is ensuring road safety through the initiatives such as the Creation of the national road safety board, State support program on road and financial grants to institutions on road safety.

"We must understand that tyre is the most important part of any vehicle, but it is often overlooked. Now, new tyre norms are coming in and it will be a big step towards road safety and improving fuel efficiency. Tyre is also a highly regulated product. It's our mission that no accidents occur due to lack of maintenance and awareness," Mr. Gupta added.

The event is the third and final instalment of a Tri Series Seminar organised by Indian apex automotive industry body, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), along with Automotive Tyre Manufacturers Association (ATMA) & Indian Tyre Technical Advisory Committee (ITTAC).

Mr Prashant K Banerjee, Executive Director, SIAM, during the virtual meet, stated that tyre continue to be the most neglected, yet the most regulated and the most used part of any vehicle. He called upon for a collective effort from the automobile industry to develop environmentally friendly tyres.

"The tyre industry and its raw material partners have been putting in efforts to create a sustainable ecosystem using resource efficient raw materials. Our collective vision as an industry is to support a circular economy and increase the use of sustainable materials in tyre manufacturing. The industry is taking a relook at materials, processes and new technology to ensure sustainable tyre manufacturing. Apart from using eco-friendly materials, tyre companies are also putting in efforts to reduce carbon footprint through renewable energy efficient processes," said Mr Anshuman Singhania, Chairman, ATMA.