Supreme Court Steps Up for Pedestrian Safety: A Move for Safer Roads in India

In a historic directive, the Supreme Court of India has ordered all states and union territories to frame rules protecting pedestrians and non-motorised road users. This ruling marks a turning point in India’s road safety strategy, recognising that pedestrian deaths are not accidents but governance failures and reaffirming the constitutional right to safe mobility under Article 21 (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Saving lives on roads in India and beyond

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Roads Designed for All

Road crashes are a relentless global killer, claiming 1.19 million lives annually – a devastating toll that surpasses even natural disasters. Unfortunately, the developing countries are where 92% of these tragedies take place. With more than 450 deaths on Indian roads every day, the poor bear the heaviest burden.

The Court’s order mandates states to act under Section 138(1A) and Section 210D of the Motor Vehicles Act to ensure roads are designed, built, and maintained for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike. SaveLIFE Foundation hailed the judgment as a “landmark step” toward prioritising vulnerable road users. It urged states to use data-driven and evidence-based planning, aligned with global best practices, when framing these rules.

The Foundation also called for implementing Section 135, which requires forensic crash investigations to identify causes beyond driver error—such as road design flaws or vehicle defects—to ensure accountability and prevent future incidents.

”The focus must be on creating road environments where pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists can coexist safely – by design, not by chance.” — Piyush Tewari, Founder and CEO, SaveLIFE Foundation
Reference:

1. Saving lives on roads in India and beyond - (https://savelifefoundation.org/)

Source-SaveLIFE Foundation