Road crashes silent pandemic: UN envoy Jean Todt launches road safety campaign during India visit

Road crashes continue to devastate India, claiming nearly 1.74 lakh lives annually , and urgent action is needed, said United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety, Jean Todt , on Tuesday. Todt, visiting India from February 19 to February 25, 2026 , launched the #MakeASafetyStatement campaign, featuring billboards, posters, and social media messages in cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bangalore. Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has joined as a Global Champion for Road Safety.

India’s road safety challenge is stark. The NCRB 2023 data shows 4,64,029 accidents resulting in 1,73,826 deaths and 4,47,969 injuries, with two-wheelers accounting for nearly half of fatalities. Overspeeding caused 58.6% of deaths, and careless or reckless driving contributed 23.6%, alongside factors such as poor infrastructure, alcohol, and stray animals. On average, nearly 480-490 people die on Indian roads every day, roughly one person every three minutes . States such as Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan account for over half of all deaths, while urban areas like Delhi and Bengaluru report high crash counts.

Todt warned that non-compliant helmets remain a serious risk and called for stricter enforcement, safer vehicles, and technology-based interventions like AI sensors and GPS-linked speed limiters. Efforts to reduce deaths include the Supreme Court’s mandate for stricter state-level rules , Delhi’s ‘Rah-Veer’ scheme rewarding Good Samaritans, Kanpur’s enforcement drives issuing over 10,000 challans, and NHAI measures to close illegal cuts and install safety barriers. Experts emphasize that safer road design, traffic management, trauma care, and public awareness are critical.

Globally, India ranks second in total road deaths after China and among the top 10–15 countries for deaths per 100,000 population , far above most developed nations, highlighting the urgent need for sustained, multi-pronged action. Todt stressed: “Road safety is not just enforcement - it is a culture of care and shared responsibility,” as India works to halve road fatalities by 2030.