Road safety is a pressing issue in India, given the high rate of accidents and fatalities reported each year. National Road Safety Month 2025 is a dedicated time to reflect, educate, and implement measures to make roads safer for everyone. This initiative aims to reduce accidents and instill responsible driving habits across the nation. In this article, we will explore what National Road Safety Week and Month entail, the significance of road safety in India, and key initiatives driving change.

National Road Safety Week Explained

National Road Safety Week is an annual event observed in India to promote awareness about road safety in January  from 11 to 17 . During this week, various campaigns and programs are held to educate the public on the importance of following traffic rules, wearing seat belts, avoiding drunk driving, and more.

National Road Safety Month 2025 Dates

National Road Safety Week is observed in January. With the introduction of National Road Safety Month, the observance now spans between 1st January to 31st January. This month-long campaign seeks to engage young people in spreading awareness, driving change, and reducing road accident fatalities and injuries nationwide. With road safety being a shared responsibility, the role of youth is crucial in shaping safer communities and inspiring others to take action.

National Road Safety Month 2025

The initiative encourages collaboration between government bodies, schools, NGOs, and corporations to engage citizens. While the week has always been impactful, its extension into a month-long campaign in recent years reflects the growing urgency of addressing road safety challenges.

Promoting Awareness and Action for Safer Roads

National Road Safety Month 2025 will bring together various stakeholders to address pressing road safety issues. Activities during the month include:

• Workshops and Seminars: Focused on educating drivers and transport operators.
• School Programs: Engaging students through quizzes, art competitions, and safety drills.
• Media Campaigns: Leveraging TV, radio, and social media to spread messages on road safety.
• Enforcement Drives: Conducting checks on seat belts, helmets, and over-speeding.

By combining education, enforcement, and community participation, this initiative aims to make a tangible impact on road safety in India.

National Road Safety Month 2025 is a significant step toward reducing road accidents and fatalities in India. It not only raises awareness but also drives actionable changes through education, infrastructure improvement, and enforcement. By participating in these efforts, citizens and organizations can contribute to a safer and more responsible road culture.

National Road Safety Month 2025 Objectives and Theme

The theme for National Road Safety Week 2025, integrated into the month-long observance, focuses on “Sadak Suraksha Jeewan Raksha.” This theme underscores the importance of prioritizing safety on roads, whether as a driver, pedestrian, or passenger.

The primary objectives of National Road Safety Month 2025 include:

1. Educating Drivers: Promoting adherence to speed limits, avoiding distractions, and understanding traffic signs.
2. Infrastructure Safety: Highlighting the need for better road designs, pedestrian crossings, and maintenance.
3. Enforcement of Laws: Encouraging strict compliance with traffic regulations, including penalties for violations.
4. Community Engagement: Involving schools, colleges, and workplaces in spreading awareness through campaigns and events.

Road Safety in India

Road traffic accidents (RTAs) are a critical global issue, causing 328 daily fatalities, many preventable with timely intervention. India ranks first in road accident deaths, accounting for 11% of global fatalities, with 29,415 lives lost and 51,970 injured during the COVID-19 lockdown alone. Despite safety campaigns, road accidents remain a leading public health and developmental concern. Recognizing the severity, India’s Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has urged collaborative efforts between state and central governments to enhance road safety infrastructure and reduce casualties, emphasizing the need for collective action to address this crisis effectively.

To improve safety and reduce road crash casualties, the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRT&H) has entrusted the Indian Road Safety Campaign (a non-profit organization) to lead road safety activities aimed at upping grassroot level citizen involvement in road safety measures across the nation.

National Road Safety Month 2025 seeks to address these issues through strategic initiatives and robust public engagement.

National Road Safety Initiatives

Initiatives Taken by the Government to Prevent Road Accidents are;

1. Road Education

• Awareness campaigns through electronic and print media, involving NGOs (714 work orders issued between 2018-2021).
• National Road Safety Week/Month observed annually to promote safety awareness.
• Certification Course for Road Safety Auditors introduced at the Indian Academy of Highway Engineers (IAHE).

2. Road Engineering

• Identified 5803 accident-prone black spots; rectified 3215 permanently and 5366 temporarily.
• Safety integrated into road design at the planning stage.
• Guidelines issued for pedestrian facilities, including accessibility for persons with disabilities.

3. Vehicle Engineering

• Improved safety standards: airbags, ABS, crash tests, speed limiters, and automated vehicle fitness centers.

4. Enforcement

• Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 enforces strict penalties and uses technology for better compliance.
• Good Samaritan guidelines and rules published for public protection.

5. Emergency Care

• Cashless treatment for accident victims during the golden hour.
• Ambulances with Basic Life Support stationed at toll plazas.

These initiatives aim to create a safer environment on Indian roads, saving lives and reducing injuries.

National Road Safety Policy Overview and Key Highlights

In 2005, a committee led by Shri S. Sundar was formed to recommend the creation of a road safety body and draft a National Road Safety Policy. Based on the committee’s report (2007), the Union Cabinet approved the policy in March 2010 to address growing road safety concerns.

Policy Objectives: The Government of India aims to significantly reduce road accident-related deaths and injuries through a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach.

Key Policy Commitments

1. Raising Awareness

• Promote understanding of road safety issues and economic impacts through education and campaigns.

2. Data and Infrastructure

• Establish a National Road Safety Information System.
• Ensure safer road designs and encourage Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS).

3. Vehicle and Driver Safety

• Improve vehicle safety standards.
• Strengthen driver licensing and training systems.

4. Protecting Vulnerable Road Users

• Integrate the needs of pedestrians, bicyclists, and physically challenged individuals into road design.

5. Education and Enforcement

• Educate children and communities on road safety.
• Strengthen enforcement of safety laws and highway patrolling.

6. Emergency Medical Services

• Provide trauma care, first aid, and transport for accident victims. Equip hospitals along highways for trauma care.

7. Research and Legal Framework

• Fund road safety research and establish centers of excellence.
• Strengthen legal, institutional, and financial support for road safety.

Implementation Strategy

The government plans to:

1. Establish a National Road Safety Board to oversee policy execution.
2. Create a National Road Safety Fund financed through a cess on fuel for road safety activities.

This policy reflects the government’s commitment to safer roads and a holistic approach to reducing traffic accidents.

National Road Safety Month 2025 FAQs

1. What is National Road Safety Month 2025?
   National Road Safety Month 2025 is a campaign held from 1st January to 31st January to promote road safety, reduce accidents, and encourage safe driving practices in India.
2. How is National Road Safety Month different from National Road Safety Week?
   National Road Safety Month extends the week-long observance to a month, allowing for more impactful awareness programs and activities to address road safety issues.
3. What is the theme for National Road Safety Week 2025?
   The theme for National Road Safety Week 2025 is “Sadak Suraksha Jeewan Raksha,” focusing on reducing accidents and saving lives through safer practices.
4. What are the key components of the National Road Safety Policy?
   The National Road Safety Policy emphasizes enforcing traffic laws, improving infrastructure, educating the public, and enhancing emergency care for accident victims.
5. What initiatives are planned during National Road Safety Month 2025?
   Initiatives include awareness campaigns, workshops, enforcement drives, and infrastructure improvements to promote road safety nationwide.