Deeplaxmi Chile
Affiliation: Assistant Professor of Sociology, Dharmashastra National Law University (DNLU), Jabalpur-482002, Madhya Pradesh, India
Email: deeplaxmi@mpdnlu.ac.in
Abstract: Road Accidents causes major death around the world; India is also vulnerable to this highly critical issue. Research studies indicate that it will pose a serious public health concern around the world in the upcoming centuries. Researchers outlined varied social-legal causes behind it. Several significant behavioural and strategic factors contribute to traffic violations in India as well, including over-speeding, drunk-driving, jumping red light, driving on wrong side, use of mobile phones while driving etc. Additionally, inadequate enforcement mechanisms and legal loopholes further worsen the problem. This study examines the behavioural, cultural and other determining elements contributing to road traffic violations in India. This study employs Brown and Clarke’s thematic analysis framework, to identify and compare recurring themes drawing on government statistics particularly MoRTH road accident reports and existing academic literature on road safety and violations. This study highlights the comparative gaps between policy intent and ground realities concerning the rising incidents of road traffic violations. The research findings provide an in-depth understanding of the major causes behind this sensitive issue; furthermore, they provide useful guidance to law enforcement agencies and other authorities for implementing methods to reduce road accidents rates across the country. This research proposes practical, socially-grounded and holistic policy reforms to address these issues effectively. It is evident through this research that there is need to carry out research in the development of community centred approaches and awareness programmes to promote road safety measures.
Keywords: Road Accidents: Traffic Violations; Behavioural Factors; Thematic and Comparative Analysis; Policy Reforms.