New Delhi, Aug 4 (Agency) A total of 5,82,157 people were killed in road accidents in the country from 2017-2020, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari informed on Thursday. According to a data provided by the minister in response to a question in Lok Sabha, as many as 1,47,913 people were killed in road accidents in 2017, 1,51,113 in 2019 and 1,31,714 in 2020.
The highest number were reported in 2018 with 1,51,417 deaths, the data showed. In response to another question, Gadkari said his Ministry has formulated a multi-pronged strategy to address the issue of road safety. The minister said to create effective public awareness about road safety , the Ministry undertakes various publicity measures and awareness campaigns through various media, including social media. He further said the Ministry has notified regarding mandatory provision of an air bag for the passenger seated on the front seat of a vehicle, next to the driver.