U.K.'s new road safety ‘Dev’s Law’ named after Indian-origin accident victim

Road safety remains a critical global challenge, claiming millions of lives annually and causing immense economic and social disruption. In this context, the United Kingdom's recent introduction of 'Dev's Law' marks a significant stride towards enhancing vehicle safety, drawing international attention, particularly from nations like India grappling with high rates of road fatalities.

**Background Context and What Happened:** The genesis of 'Dev's Law' is rooted in a profound tragedy and a mother's unwavering seven-year campaign for justice and change. In 2015, eight-year-old Dev Naran, an Indian-origin child, tragically lost his life in a collision on the M6 motorway in the UK. His mother, Meera Naran, embarked on a relentless journey, advocating for mandatory advanced safety features in vehicles, particularly Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB). Her tireless efforts culminated in the UK government's decision to legislate, making AEB compulsory in all new vehicles. 'Dev's Law' is not merely a legislative change; it is a testament to the power of citizen advocacy and the potential for individuals to influence national policy.

Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) is a sophisticated safety system designed to prevent or mitigate rear-end collisions by automatically applying the brakes if the driver fails to react to an imminent collision. Utilizing radar, lidar, or camera sensors, AEB systems detect obstacles and pedestrians, warn the driver, and, if no action is taken, engage the brakes independently. This technology represents a crucial step in moving towards a future with fewer road accidents.

**Key Stakeholders Involved:** The passage of 'Dev's Law' involved several critical stakeholders. Foremost is **Meera Naran**, Dev's mother, whose personal tragedy fueled her persistent campaign, making her the primary catalyst for this legislative change. The **UK Government and Parliament** played the crucial role of policymakers, responding to public pressure and evidence to enact the law. **Automobile Manufacturers** are key implementers, tasked with integrating AEB technology into their new vehicle models, often requiring significant research, development, and production adjustments. **Road Safety Advocacy Groups and NGOs** provided support and expertise, amplifying the call for enhanced safety. Ultimately, the **General Public** stands as the primary beneficiary, as the law aims to protect lives and reduce injuries on the roads.

**Significance for India:** India faces one of the most severe road safety crises globally, accounting for approximately 11% of the world's road accident fatalities, despite having only 1% of the world's vehicles. In 2022, India recorded over 4.6 lakh road accidents, leading to more than 1.68 lakh deaths. This grim reality makes 'Dev's Law' highly significant for India in several ways:

1. **Policy Inspiration and Urgency:** The UK's proactive stance can serve as a powerful inspiration for India to accelerate the adoption of advanced safety features. It highlights that technology, coupled with robust legislation, can significantly reduce road fatalities and injuries.

2. **Technological Adoption:** Mandating AEB in the UK could spur Indian policymakers and manufacturers to push for similar mandates. While some premium vehicles in India already offer ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) features like AEB, making it compulsory across all new vehicle segments, especially mass-market ones, would be a game-changer.

3. **Citizen Advocacy Model:** Dev's mother's successful campaign underscores the potential for sustained public pressure to drive policy change in India. This can empower citizens and advocacy groups to demand stricter safety norms.

4. **Economic and Social Impact:** Reduced accidents would translate into significant economic savings for India by decreasing healthcare costs, insurance payouts, and productivity losses. Socially, it would prevent countless tragedies and reduce the emotional and psychological trauma associated with road accidents.

**Historical Context:** The evolution of road safety legislation has consistently involved making advanced safety features mandatory over time. From seatbelts in the 1960s and airbags in the 1980s to ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) becoming standard, technology has progressively been integrated into legal frameworks to enhance safety. AEB is the latest in this lineage, moving from a premium feature to a standard requirement.

**Future Implications:** 'Dev's Law' is likely to accelerate the global trend towards mandating ADAS features. For India, this could mean:

* **Faster Regulatory Changes:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) might expedite plans to introduce mandatory ADAS features, including AEB, in Indian vehicles. The **Bharat New Car Assessment Program (NCAP)**, launched in 2023, could play a crucial role by incentivizing manufacturers to incorporate these features to achieve higher safety ratings.

* **Automotive Industry Transformation:** Indian and international manufacturers operating in India will need to invest further in R&D and manufacturing capabilities to integrate AEB cost-effectively across all models.

* **Enhanced Road Safety Ecosystem:** The move could foster a broader ecosystem of road safety, including better infrastructure, stricter enforcement, and increased public awareness about advanced safety technologies.

**Related Constitutional Articles, Acts, and Policies (for India):**

* **Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (and its 2019 Amendment):** This is the principal legislation governing motor vehicles and road safety in India. The 2019 amendment introduced stricter penalties for traffic violations and aimed to improve road safety. Future amendments could incorporate mandatory AEB and other ADAS features, similar to how seatbelts and airbags became mandatory.

* **Article 21 of the Indian Constitution (Right to Life and Personal Liberty):** The Supreme Court has broadly interpreted Article 21 to include the right to a safe environment and the right to live with human dignity. Ensuring road safety and mandating advanced safety features directly aligns with the state's obligation to protect the fundamental right to life of its citizens.

* **National Road Safety Policy:** India has a National Road Safety Policy that outlines various measures to improve road safety, including promoting advanced safety technologies. 'Dev's Law' provides a strong case study for implementing such policies more rigorously.

* **Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS):** BIS sets standards for various products, including automotive components. It could be instrumental in formulating standards for AEB systems in India.

This development in the UK is a powerful reminder that technological advancement, coupled with determined advocacy and responsive governance, can create a safer world. It offers a clear blueprint for India to address its own pressing road safety challenges, potentially saving thousands of lives annually.