Supreme Court of India has expressed serious concern over road safety practices in the country, observing that there is effectively “no concept of lane driving in India”.

A bench comprising JB Pardiwala and KV Viswanathan made the remarks while hearing matters related to road safety compliance in the case S Rajaseekaran v. Union of India.

Court stresses importance of lane discipline

During the hearing, Justice Pardiwala noted that many road accidents occur because drivers fail to follow lane discipline.

The bench observed that improving lane driving habits could significantly reduce accidents and urged the Union Government to focus on awareness and enforcement measures.

States directed to enforce tracking devices

The Court also reviewed compliance with Rule 125H of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, which mandates Vehicle Location Tracking Devices (VLTDs) and emergency panic buttons in public service vehicles.

Expressing concern that less than one per cent of transport vehicles currently have the required systems installed, the Court directed all States and Union Territories to strictly enforce the rule in a time-bound manner.

The bench ordered that no public service vehicle should receive a fitness certificate or permit unless the tracking device installation is verified through the Vahan database.

Manufacturers may be asked to pre-fit systems

The Court welcomed suggestions that automobile manufacturers themselves should install tracking systems before vehicles are sold.

It directed the Union Government to hold discussions with vehicle manufacturers and submit a report on the feasibility of the proposal.

The Court also sought stricter compliance regarding speed-limiting devices in transport vehicles and criticised several States for failing to submit compliance reports despite earlier orders.

National Road Safety Board still pending

The bench expressed displeasure over delays in constituting the National Road Safety Board, despite earlier deadlines provided by the Court.

Calling it a final opportunity, the Court directed the government to establish the Board within the next three months.