A Study on Road Safety for the Visually Challenged – Policy Implications

There is an increase in number of accidents, injuries and deaths due to a rise in motor vehicle population. India is a signatory of the Brasilia Declaration with an agenda to reduce the number of accidents by 50% by the year 2020, yet it can be observed that the incidents of accidents have not decreased. There were 285 million visually impaired people in the world, of which 246 million had low vision and 39 million were blind as per the World Health Organization report (2012). It is alarming to note that around 90% of the blind live in the developing world. They are constantly dealing with challenges in their day to day life. Commuting by roads is all the more unsafe for these visually challenged pedestrians. This unique study has conducted an in depth interview to understand the needs and problems faced by the visually challenged pedestrians, followed by a primary survey on World White Cane Day to judge the extent of awareness of the correct technique. The appropriate techniques were then demonstrated to the general public, thus creating awareness and the behavioral changes needed in this endeavor. The paper has used a theoretical concept and practically suggests policy implication for empowering the disabled through awareness drives and collaborating with various government agencies.