National Road Safety Board (NRSB)

Why in news?

• The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has notified constitution of National Road Safety Board.

About National Road Safety Board (NRSB):

• National Road Safety Board (NRSB) is aimed at integrating efforts in collaboration with states to reduce road crashes and improve all aspects of safety.
• Its establishment was first provisioned in the Motor Vehicle Amendment Act of 2019.
• The board will have an advisory role to come up with recommendations and proposals for the central government, for formulation of specific standards for road safety.
• The Board will be responsible for promoting road safety, innovation and adoption of new technology, and for regulating traffic and motor vehicles.
• Board, which will function as the lead agency at national level to deal with matters relating to road safety.

Composition:

• It shall consist of the Chairman and not less than three, but not exceeding seven Members, to be appointed by the Central Government.
• The members must have experience in the fields related to road safety, traffic regulation, urban planning, civil engineering and police enforcement and investigation.
• Additionally, the board will also comprise of technical committees to look into a variety of aspects of road safety from civil engineering to vehicle construction and safety equipment.

Functions:

• To promote road safety the Board shall formulate
  • Specific standards for road safety, traffic management and road construction for hilly regions
  • Guidelines for capacity building and development of skills for traffic police, hospital authorities, highway authorities, educational and research organizations and other organizations
  • Guidelines for establishing and operating trauma facilities and para-medical facilities, for consideration by the Central Government
• The board also provide technical advice and assistance to the Central Government, State Governments and local authorities on road safety and traffic management
• It also promotes Good Samaritans, good practices in road safety and traffic management, new vehicle technology in the field of vehicular engineering etc.

Add ons:

• Several countries across the world including the United States, Sweden and Australia have lead agencies at national level to deal with matters relating to road safety.

PRELIMS QUESTION

Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the National Road Safety Board (NRSB)?

1. Its establishment was first provisioned in the Motor Vehicle Amendment Act of 2019

2. Its members are appointed by President of India

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer