Road safety laws:SC asks states view on committee's suggestion

Supreme Court today directed all state governments to submit their responses on the recommendations of a three-member committee headed by its former judge on road safety to curb growing number of accidents.
A social justice bench of Justices Madan B Lokur and U U Lalit, while perusing the report of the panel headed by Justice K S Radhakrishnan which made 12 major recommendations, directed the states to reply by February 28.
The apex court also directed Maharashtra to respond to the questionnaire sent by the Committee within two weeks.
"After due deliberations, the Committee vide letter dated December 12, 2014 has given 12 directions to the state governments which, in view of the Committee, would reduce accidents. The states have been asked to indicate a time-frame during which these directions can be complied with.

"The states have also been asked to report to the Committee as to the complaince of the said directions. The Committee would monitor the implementation of the road safety measures and compliance of its directions," the Committee, which also comprises former Secretary of Road Transport Ministry S Sundar and Nishi Mittal, ex-chief Scientist said.
The Committee, in its 12 directions, has suggested setting up of State Road Safety Councils, evolving a protocol for identification of black spots, their removal and further monitoring to see the effectiveness of the action taken.

It also suggested strengthening of enforcement relating to drunken driving, over-speeding, red light jumping and helmet/seat belt laws.

"Ban sale of alcohol on state and national highways and remove hoardings and objects that obstruct driving," the committee said.
It suggested establishment of Road Safety Fund and making available a portion of fine collected from traffic offences to the fund and making provisions in the Budget for meeting expenses on road safety.
Further, the committee has also recommended preparation of a Road Safety Action Plan and take effective measures to remove encroachments on pedestrian paths.
The apex court had last year appointed the three-member committee to monitor steps taken by the Centre and state governments to ensure road safety.