National Road Safety Week 2025: Theme, History, Significance & Road Safety Rules

In India, National Road Safety Week is celebrated from 11 January to 17 January.

Theme for National Road Safety Week 2025

The theme of National Road Safety Week is to raise awareness about following road safety measures to prevent accidents. This week includes various activities and campaigns aimed at educating people about road safety practices such as wearing helmets, wearing seat belts, following traffic signals, avoiding driving under the influence of alcohol, etc. According to reports, more than 150,000 people die in road accidents every year. Road accidents can be minimized if road safety practices are properly implemented.

According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), “In India, about 80,000 people are killed every year in road crashes, which accounts for 13% of the total world fatalities.” The ministry added, “In most cases, road accidents occur due to carelessness and lack of road safety awareness. Hence, road safety education is as essential as any other basic survival skill.”

History of National Road Safety Week

National Road Safety Week dates back to 1989, when the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways observed the first National Road Safety Week. This year marks the 36th National Road Safety Week, aimed at creating awareness among the public about road safety measures.

Significance of National Road Safety Week

1. Preventing the loss of human lives:
   Road accidents result in the tragic loss of human lives, which can be avoided by implementing road safety measures.
2. Injury prevention:
   During road accidents, people may suffer painful injuries, which can be prevented by following road safety practices such as wearing helmets and seat belts, following road signals, avoiding unnecessary overtaking, and refraining from alcohol consumption, especially while driving.
3. Community engagement:
   Road Safety Week promotes involvement from local communities, schools, colleges, hospitals, and other organizations in road safety activities. Community engagement helps foster a road safety culture and a sense of collective responsibility.
4. Promoting road safety practices:
   For social and community safety, road safety measures are essential. Activities and campaigns during Road Safety Week encourage people to follow road safety measures such as avoiding mobile use while driving, not driving under the influence, wearing seat belts, wearing helmets, etc.

■ Also Read: ₹25,000 Reward for Helping Accident Victims

Road Safety Rules and Guidelines

The following are some rules and regulations or guidelines that everyone should follow while driving to prevent road accidents.

1. Follow lane discipline:
   Drivers should drive in their designated lanes and avoid unnecessary lane changes. If a driver needs to change lanes, they should first center their vehicle and then move to the other lane.
2. Adhere to overtaking rules:
   Drivers should overtake only when necessary. When overtaking, they should follow the rules and use the proper indicators to signal their intentions.
3. Be mindful of blind spots:
   Drivers should be careful about blind spots while driving to prevent accidents.
4. Maintain a safe distance:
   Drivers should maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead. This helps prevent collisions and accidents when a sudden stop is necessary.
5. Use indicators:
   Drivers should use indicators when driving to avoid congestion and prevent accidents.
6. Wear helmets:
   Helmets protect the brain from injury in accidents. Drivers should wear helmets while riding motorcycles and bicycles. Helmets reduce the chances of head injuries during sudden accidents.
7. Use seat belts:
   All drivers and passengers in four-wheelers should be aware of the importance of wearing seat belts to avoid injuries during sudden stops.
8. Follow traffic signs and signals:
   Traffic signs and signals help prevent overcrowding of vehicles and reduce the risk of accidents and collisions, saving lives in the process.
9. Avoid drunk driving and other distractions:
   Drivers must avoid drinking alcohol while driving. Alcohol impairs brain function, leading to a loss of focus and balance, which can result in road accidents. Drivers should also refrain from using mobile phones, listening to music, or wearing headphones while driving.

Adhere to speed limits

Drivers should always maintain the speed limit to avoid accidents and collisions. Excessive speed is a major cause of road accidents.

Connect With Us on the Following Social Media Platforms