Government pushes rewards for safe drivers to improve road safety in India

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has called for a balanced approach to road safety in India. Speaking at the Uber Surakshit 2026 event, he emphasized that rewarding motorists who follow traffic rules should complement penalties for violations. He urged mobility platforms to play a role in improving driver behavior.

Key Highlights

• The minister urges rewards for motorists who follow traffic rules alongside stricter enforcement.
• The Nagpur pilot project delivered Rs 20 crore in benefits to safe drivers through discount coupons.
• India records about 5 lakh road accidents and 1.8 lakh deaths annually.
• Overspeeding, helmet, and seatbelt non-use are major contributors to road fatalities.
• The Good Samaritan initiative offers a Rs 25,000 reward and covers treatment costs for accident victims.

Government Initiatives for Safe Driving

Gadkari highlighted a pilot project in Nagpur where motorists who obeyed traffic rules received discount coupons. These coupons, provided by businesses, could be redeemed at departmental stores, malls, restaurants, and other participating outlets. The initiative has delivered benefits worth around ₹20 crore to safe drivers so far.

"I did a good experiment in Nagpur. People who stop at every signal and do not violate the rules are given discount coupons by big companies," Gadkari said. He stressed that while violators are punished, those who follow the rules should also receive recognition and support. He believes this approach will encourage more people to comply with traffic laws.

Road Safety Challenges and Data

Gadkari pointed out that changing driver behavior is critical to reducing road fatalities. India records about 5 lakh road accidents and nearly 1.8 lakh deaths each year. Around 66% of the victims are between 18 and 34 years old. These accidents result in an estimated 3% loss to the country’s GDP.

The minister outlined four pillars of road safety: road engineering, automobile engineering, enforcement, and human behavior. He described human behavior as the root cause of many accidents. Common violations include jumping red lights, driving on the wrong side, using mobile phones while driving, not wearing helmets, and ignoring lane discipline.

Official data shows that overspeeding causes about 1.2 lakh road deaths annually. Not wearing helmets leads to over 54,000 deaths, and not using seatbelts results in more than 14,000 fatalities each year. Other major causes of fatal crashes include wrong-side driving, drunk driving, and mobile phone use while driving.

Role of Mobility Platforms and Industry

Gadkari called on the mobility industry to contribute beyond technology. He urged Uber to use its large driver network to promote better driving behavior. He suggested that training drivers in etiquette, manners, and responsible road behavior would improve the credibility of both the company and its drivers.

The minister also mentioned government efforts to encourage bystander assistance after road accidents. Under the Good Samaritan initiative, individuals who take accident victims to a hospital are eligible for a Rs 25,000 reward. The central government also covers treatment costs up to Rs 1.5 lakh for seven days for eligible road accident victims.

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CarBike 360 Says

​The proposed reward system for safe drivers marks a progressive shift in India’s road safety strategy, focusing on positive reinforcement rather than penalties alone. If implemented effectively, it could encourage responsible driving habits, reduce accident rates, and foster a culture of accountability. Ultimately, incentivizing safe behavior may prove to be a practical step toward safer and more disciplined roads nationwide.