The fact that 153,972 people lost their lives in road accidents in 2021 as per the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is enough to highlight the significance of road safety. Road safety awareness alerts people on how to conduct themselves while driving, crossing roads, etc. It also involves raising awareness regarding the importance of traffic rules.
With vehicular numbers on the roads surging, the importance of road safety will become all the more pertinent. Basic road safety measures include driving at a slower speed, refraining from equipment such as mobile phones while driving, wearing helmets, wearing seatbelts, etc.
Factors Defining Types of Roads in India
India’s road network is vast, spanning over 50 lakh kilometres. Roads facilitate the movement of goods and enable people to travel across the country efficiently. The roads in India are diverse and can be classified based on several factors.
- First, roads can be classified based on the construction materials used. The materials used for constructing roads vary depending on their purpose and the anticipated traffic. For example, you might come across gravel roads in rural areas. But city roads are often cemented or made of concrete to withstand heavy traffic.
- Another way to categorise roads is by their location:
- National highways are designed to connect major cities and state capitals.
- State highways link important cities within a state and connect them to national highways.
- District roads and rural roads provide accessibility to smaller regions and villages.
- Traffic volume is another important factor for defining the types of roads in India. Some roads handle low traffic and are used mainly by pedestrians and cyclists. Other roads are built for medium to high traffic, including motor vehicles.
- Topography is also a factor in classifying roads. Roads in flat regions are generally smooth and straight. Roads in mountainous areas can be winding and require more maintenance, given constant challenging weather conditions.
- The cost of construction is also an important consideration when deciding the types of roads to be built. Roads can be categorised into high, medium, and low-cost types based on detailed traffic studies and budget allocations.
The Indian Road Congress (IRC), which has been around since 1934, oversees the development of various road types, including national and state highways.
Conclusion
The importance of road safety measures lies in the fact that by adhering to the set guidelines, the risk of accidents is reduced. Hence, the importance of road safety rules cannot be overemphasised. Another related aspect that is equally important for car owners is to invest in car insurance. It provides financial protection from losses resulting from traffic accidents, theft, and other risks.
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