UNICEF Releases National Roadmap for Child & Adolescent Road Safety in India

Current Context: On 3rd February 2025, The National Roadmap for Child and Adolescent Road Safety in India is a comprehensive plan released by UNICEF in collaboration with the WHO Collaborating Centre for Injury Prevention and Safety at NIMHANS.

• Here are the key points:
• Alarming Statistics: Road traffic injuries (RTIs) are the leading cause of death among children and adolescents in India. In 2022, there were 16,443 reported fatalities in this age group, with the actual number likely being higher due to underreporting.
• Daily Impact: Every day, nearly 45 children under 18 years of age lose their lives in road crashes.
• Non-Fatal Injuries: Around 5 million children suffer non-fatal injuries each year, requiring hospitalization.
• Risk Factors: The report identifies multiple risk factors, including human behavior (e.g., not wearing helmets), vehicle safety, road conditions, and road safety management.
• Recommendations: The roadmap provides a multi-sectoral action plan to improve road safety for young people, including better enforcement of helmet and seatbelt use, improving pedestrian safety, and enhancing trauma care facilities.

Question:

1 According to the National Roadmap for Child and Adolescent Road Safety in India, how many children under 18 years of age lose their lives in road crashes daily?

• A) 30
• B) 45
• C) 50
• D) 60

Answer: B) The report highlights that nearly 45 children under 18 years of age die daily in road accidents in India, making road safety a critical issue for children and adolescents.