A recent survey by HERE Technologies, a location data and technology platform, underscores significant concerns about road safety in India and highlights a rising demand for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). The survey, titled ‘Safer Cars, Safer Roads,’ sheds light on the urgent need for enhanced safety measures, particularly for vulnerable road users like two-wheeler riders. It also emphasises the gap between perceived road safety and actual accident rates, underlining the importance of advanced safety technologies like ADAS.

“India is facing a severe road safety crisis, with an alarming 53 road accidents and 19 fatalities occurring every hour across the country. The integration of ADAS technology can significantly reduce these fatalities by helping drivers minimise accidents. To achieve the government’s goal of a 50% reduction in road accidents by 2030, it is essential for automakers, policymakers, and road safety organisations to work together and prioritise the implementation of these advanced safety technologies in vehicles,” stated Mohit Sharma, Automotive Analyst, Counterpoint Research.

Key highlights of the survey

High road accident rates

The survey revealed a high prevalence of road accidents in India, with 54% of respondents reporting involvement in a traffic accident within the past two years. This alarming statistic underscores the need for immediate and long-term interventions to improve road safety.

Two-wheeler riders: Most vulnerable

Two-wheeler riders remain highly vulnerable on Indian roads. Among respondents, 91% identified as two-wheeler riders, and 80% expressed feeling unsafe on the roads. This aligns with national data, highlighting the high fatality rate associated with two-wheelers and stressing the need for targeted safety measures for this group.

Perception vs reality

While 49% of respondents perceive Indian roads as relatively safe, 98% acknowledged the risk of accidents, pointing to a stark gap between perception and reality. Reckless driving, poor road conditions, and distracted driving emerged as the top three causes of accidents, indicating the need to address both driver behaviour and infrastructure challenges.

Strong support for ADAS

The survey highlighted strong support for ADAS, with 91% of respondents believing it is crucial for enhancing road and driver safety. However, despite this strong support, nearly half (49%) of respondents currently do not own ADAS-equipped vehicles, reflecting a gap between awareness and adoption.

Positive outlook for ADAS adoption

Looking ahead, 82% of respondents expressed a willingness to purchase ADAS-equipped vehicles, signalling a substantial market opportunity for automotive manufacturers. Safety emerged as the primary motivator for adoption, influencing 78% of potential buyers. Technological reliability (58%) and ease of use (56%) were also important factors influencing purchase decisions, while cost, vehicle brand, and country of manufacture were deemed less critical.

Automated technologies gain trust

The survey revealed growing trust in automated driving technologies, with 87% of respondents believing ADAS can significantly enhance road safety. Additionally, 79% of respondents expressed confidence in these technologies’ ability to make safe decisions on the road. This trust is complemented by strong public support (87%) for government involvement in mandating ADAS in future road safety standards.

Industry perspectives on ADAS

Anuj Jain, Strategy & Business Development Lead at AWS Automotive & Manufacturing, highlighted the transformative potential of ADAS. He said, “the future of transportation is rooted in innovative technologies that prioritise safety and boost operational efficiency. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) have the power to revolutionise the driving experience, ushering in a new era of safer and more secure roads. By harnessing location intelligence, ADAS can precisely map vehicle positions, help detect potential hazards, and equip drivers to navigate complex situations with greater confidence. This results in fewer accidents and lives saved. Through our collaboration with transportation and automotive industry leaders like HERE Technologies, AWS is helping accelerate the adoption of these transformative technologies, paving the way for a safer and more efficient transportation ecosystem.”

The findings underscore the need for coordinated efforts among automakers, policymakers, and safety organisations to bridge the gap between awareness and implementation of ADAS technologies in India.