The government today cleared the draft legislation for setting up a national body to

RELATED ARTICLES Government to put stress on direct tax collection

recommend standards for design, construction and maintenance of highways, safety standards for motor vehicles and trauma centres across the country.

"Yes, it has been approved," a top-level source said after the meeting of the Union Cabinet.

The Cabinet gave a green signal to the National Road Safety and Traffic Management Board Bill, he said.

The Bill, once approved by Parliament, will pave the way for a national body to advise the government on administration of road safety laws and to undertake road safety audits and analysis of accidents.

The proposal also includes creation of a safety fund by way of earmarking one per cent of the cess on petrol and diesel.

As per the latest official figures, about 1.20 lakh people lost their lives in 2007 due to road accidents.