(1) The Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, constitute for the country a National Road Safety Council consisting of a Chairman and such other members as that Government considers necessary and on such terms and conditions as that Government may determine.
(2) A State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, constitute for the State a State Road Safety Council consisting of a Chairman and such other members as that Government considers necessary and on such terms and conditions as that Government may determine.
(3) A State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, constitute a District Road Safety Committee for each district in the State consisting of a Chairman and such other members as that Government considers necessary and on such terms and conditions as that Government may determine.
(4) The Councils and Committees referred to in this section shall discharge such functions relating to the road safety programmes as the Central Government or the State Government, as the case may be, may, having regard to the objects of the Act, specify.
Simplified Explanation
Section 215 of the Motor Vehicles Act provides for the establishment of Road Safety Councils and Committees at the national, state, and district levels. These councils and committees are responsible for promoting and improving road safety through various initiatives, policies, and awareness programs. They play a crucial role in advising governments on road safety measures and implementing strategies to reduce accidents, injuries, and fatalities on roads.
Overview of Section 215
This section focuses on:
- The creation of Road Safety Councils and Committees at different levels to oversee and promote road safety.
- The responsibilities and roles of these councils in formulating and implementing road safety policies and awareness programs.
Key Elements of Section 215
- Establishment of Road Safety Councils and Committees:
- Road Safety Councils can be set up at the national, state, and district levels to provide oversight and guidance on road safety matters.
- These councils are tasked with formulating policies, recommending road safety measures, and coordinating with various stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the public.
- Role of the National Road Safety Council:
- The National Road Safety Council is established at the central level and is responsible for overseeing national road safety policies and advising the Central Government on measures to improve road safety across the country.
- This council may include representatives from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, law enforcement agencies, transport authorities, and other relevant organizations.
- State and District Road Safety Councils:
- State Road Safety Councils are established by the State Governments to address road safety concerns within their respective states. These councils work on state-level road safety programs, traffic management, and accident prevention strategies.
- District Road Safety Committees are set up at the local level, focusing on implementing road safety initiatives within districts. They play a key role in addressing region-specific issues and coordinating with state authorities.
- Responsibilities of Road Safety Councils and Committees:
- The councils and committees are tasked with:
- Advising the government on the formulation of road safety policies and strategies.
- Recommending measures to reduce road accidents and fatalities.
- Promoting road safety awareness among the public through educational campaigns and outreach programs.
- Reviewing accident data and suggesting ways to improve traffic management and road infrastructure.
- Implementing programs for driver training, enforcement of traffic rules, and improving vehicle safety standards.
- The councils and committees are tasked with:
- Coordination with Other Agencies:
- The councils and committees work in coordination with various stakeholders, including the police, transport departments, public works departments, and traffic management authorities, to ensure a unified approach to road safety.
- They may also collaborate with non-governmental organizations and the private sector to promote road safety initiatives.
- Monitoring and Reporting:
- Road Safety Councils and Committees are expected to monitor the implementation of road safety measures and regularly report to the relevant authorities about their progress, challenges, and suggestions for improvement.
- They also track road accident data and the effectiveness of road safety programs in reducing accidents and improving traffic management.
Practical Implications
- Promoting Road Safety Awareness: The councils and committees established under Section 215 play a key role in promoting road safety awareness among the public through campaigns, educational programs, and media outreach. This helps to create a culture of safety on the roads.
- Policy Development and Implementation: The councils provide expert advice and recommendations to governments on road safety policies, ensuring that regulations and initiatives are based on sound research and data-driven approaches. They also help in the implementation of these policies at various levels.
- Coordination Across Agencies: Road safety is a multi-disciplinary issue, requiring coordination between different government agencies. The councils and committees facilitate collaboration among law enforcement, transport authorities, public works, and other stakeholders to address road safety challenges effectively.
- Localized Solutions for Road Safety: The district-level Road Safety Committees are important for identifying and addressing region-specific road safety issues, such as accident-prone areas or traffic management problems unique to the local context.
- Reduction of Road Accidents: Through the combined efforts of education, policy development, and enforcement, these councils aim to reduce the number of road accidents, injuries, and fatalities, ultimately making roads safer for all users.
Conclusion
Section 215 of the Motor Vehicles Act provides for the establishment of Road Safety Councils and Committees at the national, state, and district levels. These councils are tasked with advising governments on road safety measures, promoting awareness, coordinating with various stakeholders, and implementing road safety programs. By addressing both national and local road safety challenges, these councils play a critical role in reducing road accidents and improving overall traffic management. The section ensures a coordinated and systematic approach to road safety across India.
