Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs) constitute a major public health concern worldwide, causing substantial mortality, morbidity and socio-economic losses. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death among individuals aged 5–29 years globally [1]. In 2016 alone, approximately 1.35 million people died from RTAs globally, with millions more sustaining serious injuries [2].

The burden is disproportionately higher in low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), which account for over 90% of all road traffic deaths, despite having only 60% of the world’s vehicles [3]. Risk factors include excessive speed, driving under the influence of alcohol or psychoactive substances, non-use of helmets, seat-belts and child restraints, distracted driving and poor infrastructure [4].

India represents a critical hotspot in this global challenge. As per the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017, India accounted for approximately 11% of all global road traffic deaths [5]. In 2020, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) of India reported around 1,31,714 deaths due to RTAs [6]. Factors such as increasing motorization, poor road conditions, inadequate enforcement of traffic laws and risky behavior among road users exacerbate the situation [7].

Addressing this crisis requires a multi-sectoral approach involving improvements in road infrastructure, vehicular safety standards, law enforcement, health services and public awareness campaigns.

Aims and Objectives

The aim of this study is to review and critically analyze the trends, burden, risk factors and prevention strategies related to road traffic accidents from both global and Indian perspectives.

The objectives are:

• To study global trends and patterns in road traffic accidents

• To explore the burden and risk factors associated with RTAs

• To analyze India’s current scenario concerning RTAs

• To suggest preventive and intervention strategies

This is a narrative review based on a comprehensive search of databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, WHO reports and Indian government reports like NCRB. Articles published between 2000 and 2024 were included. 

Keywords used included “Road Traffic Accidents,” “India,” “global trends,” “epidemiology,” and “risk factors.” Only English-language publications were considered. Relevant findings were synthesized to provide a comprehensive understanding.

Global Perspective:

• Incidence: The global mortality rate from RTAs is approximately 18.2 per 100,000 population [1]

• Geographic Variations: Africa and South-East Asia exhibit the highest RTA mortality rates, while Europe has the lowest [1][4]

• Vulnerable Groups: Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists constitute 54% of RTA deaths globally [2]

Indian Perspective:

• Incidence: India witnessed around 4,12,432 road accidents in 2021, causing 1,53,972 deaths [6]

• Demographics: Young adults aged 18–45 years are predominantly affected [7]

• Regional Disparities: States like Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Karnataka report the highest number of accidents [6]

• Mode of Injury: Two-wheeler riders are the most vulnerable category [5][8]

Risk Factors:

• Speeding: A major cause globally and in India [3][4]

• Alcohol Consumption: Significantly associated with increased crash risk [5]

• Non-usage of Helmets and Seat-belts: Low compliance exacerbates fatal outcomes [2][4]

• Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, lack of signage and poor urban planning increase accidents [7]

Road Traffic Injuries (RTIs) are not only a medical emergency but also an economic and social issue. Globally, RTAs cost countries approximately 3% of their GDP [1]. In LMICs like India, the problem is aggravated by rapid urbanization, insufficient public transport systems and inadequate law enforcement [3].

While high-income countries have demonstrated significant reductions in RTI-related deaths through stringent policies like speed regulation, seat-belt laws, helmet mandates and drunk-driving countermeasures [4][9], India’s progress has been relatively slower.

Recent efforts like the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, which imposes stricter penalties for traffic violations, aim to curb accidents [6]. Moreover, initiatives such as “Good Samaritan” laws encourage bystanders to assist victims without legal repercussions [7].

Road safety strategies must incorporate:

• Strict enforcement of traffic laws

• Safe road infrastructure design

• Vehicle safety standards improvement

• Emergency medical services strengthening

• Public education and behavior modification campaigns

There is also an urgent need to adopt a “Safe Systems Approach,” recognizing that human error is inevitable and that systems must be designed to prevent fatalities even when errors occur [4].

Road traffic accidents continue to pose a significant public health and development challenge globally and in India. Multidimensional strategies emphasizing law enforcement, infrastructure improvement and public awareness are critical to mitigating this burden. A cohesive effort involving governments, civil society and individuals is necessary to achieve sustainable reductions in RTA-related morbidity and mortality.

1. World Health Organization. Global Status Report on Road Safety 2018. WHO.

2. Global Burden of Disease Study 2017. "Global Mortality Due to Road Injuries." Lancet Public Health.

3. Mohammed, A.A., et al. "A review of traffic accidents and related practices worldwide." The Open Transportation Journal, 2019.

4. Smith, G.S. and P. Barss. "Unintentional injuries in developing countries: The epidemiology of a neglected problem." Epidemiologic Reviews, 1991.

5. Dandona, R. et al. "mortality due to road injuries in the states of India." The Lancet Public Health, 2020.

6. National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Ministry of Home Affairs, India. Accidental Deaths & Suicides in India 2021.

7. Gopalakrishnan, S. "A public health perspective of road traffic accidents." Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 2012.

8. Hyder, A.A. et al. "Estimating the burden of road traffic injuries among children and adolescents in urban South Asia." Health Policy, 2006.

9. Ameratunga, S. et al. "Road-traffic injuries: Confronting disparities to address a global-health problem." The Lancet, 2006.