Road safety is not only a public health issue but a social one with multiple implications. Road accidents cause physical, mental, emotional and financial trauma to the kith and kin of victims and place immense burden on health care and economic system of the state (as well as the country). In Kerala, there is a surge in road accidents and death tolls . It is a concern for the health sector as well as enforcement agencies like Police and Motor Vehicles Department. This is a reality for the ambulance sector, who are the first line responders during accidents and emergencies. Insurance sector is another agency accountable. Ultimately multiple stakeholders are linked to the scenario. So a multi pronged approach by involving different stakeholders is very much required for better road safety. There are no short cuts and quick fix remedies for accident reduction. A Baton relay mode is essential for rescuing a victim from accident spot to a rehabilitation center. The sequence of activities, issues and challenges and the role played by different stakeholders need to be studied for framing a new paradigm for road safety in the state.

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