Road Accidents and Women Victims: A Public Health Concern#

Abstract

In India, road transport is the most popular form of transportation, both in terms of traffic volume and contributions to economic growth. To fulfil the growing demand for road transportation, the number of vehicles on the road and the overall length of the road networks have grown over time. The rise in road fatalities and injuries is a public concern related to the country’s expanding road system, motorisation, and urbanisation. Road traffic injuries are now one of the main causes of mortality, disability, and hospitalisation in the country, resulting in significant socio-economic consequences. In the nation, road safety is becoming a key social concern. Developing countries account for 85 per cent of all accident mortality, with the Asia Pacific accounting for over half of all deaths. India is accountable for around 10% of all road fatalities worldwide. In India, the number of deaths per 10000 motor vehicles is 10 to 15 times higher than in advanced countries. In accidents of the same or similar intensity, studies show that women are more likely than men to be killed or injured. Due to the absence of insurance coverage and other long-term financial assistance, they are also less likely to obtain proper post-crash care if they are injured. This paper, through primary research, tries to look at the impact of road traffic injuries on women victims and their post-trauma care in Delhi.