Bridging the Gap Between Help and Hesitation–

India saw an amazingly high roadway collision toll in 2023, with a single person passing away every 3 mins. The nation saw an overall of 1.72 lakh roadway collision fatalities in 2023, a 4.2% rise from 2022 (1.68 lakh deaths). Nearly 45% of the fatalities in 2023 were of vehicle drivers on two-wheelers, complied with by pedestrian casualties at 20%. Non- use of security devices, such as bikers not putting on headgears, made up 31.5% of deaths, and 9.3% individuals were eliminated as a result of not putting on safety belt. In a lot of the fatalities, speeding was just one of the main reasons, representing 68.1% deaths.

While these startling data highlight the immediate demand for more secure roadways and accountable behavior, the Good Samaritan Law becomes a sign of hope, motivating prompt help to roadway collision sufferers and the prospective to conserve many lives.

What is the Good Samaritan Law?

The Supreme Court set up India’s very first Good Samaritan legislation in 2016– complying with a request by the SaveLIFE Foundation in 2012– which offers lawful defense to onlookers aiding roadway collision sufferers with no civil or criminal responsibility. This legislation is made to incentivise residents to find onward and aid roadway collision sufferers.

There have actually been many instances of passers-by keeping back, and rejecting aid to roadway collision sufferers due to the fact that they did not wish to be confronted with the authorities, health centers and the courts. Many were likewise not aware of the demand for prompt treatment in the results of a collision, of the reality that a lot of roadway collision sufferers pass away of treatable injuries.

To urge individuals additionally, the federal government has likewise just recently determined to enhance the benefit quantity for Good Samaritans to Rs 25,000, 5 times greater than the existing benefit cash of Rs 5,000, mirroring its dedication to conserving lives when driving.

“Every second matters when it comes to saving lives in the event of a road crash. Fear of civil or criminal liabilities should not discourage citizens from extending help. The Good Samaritan Law, which was instituted by the Supreme Court of India in 2016 following a writ petition by SaveLIFE Foundation, is not just a legislation — it empowers ordinary citizens to act extraordinarily in times of crisis. India must ensure that helping hands are protected, and not punished,” stated Founder and CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER of SaveLIFE Foundation, Piyush Tewari.

Key Features of the Good Samaritan Law

1. Protection from Legal Repercussions

Good Samaritans are secured by the legislation from any type of responsibility or lawsuit that might arise from their help to roadway collision sufferers.

2. Confidentiality of Personal Information

Unless the individual offering help wishes to disclose her/his individual info, their identification is maintained exclusive.

3. Exemption from Court Appearances

Unless they were considerable witnesses to roadway collision occurrences, Good Samaritans are not needed to show up in courts.

4. Encouraging Immediate Assistance

Bystanders are motivated by the legislation to give prompt help to roadway collision sufferers, without the fear of obtaining involved in lawful procedures.

Impact of the Good Samaritan Law

The Good Samaritan Law is focused on motivating residents to find onward and aid roadway collision sufferers throughout the ‘Golden hour’ without concern of harassment or scare tactics.

The ‘Golden hour’ is the very first 60 mins complying with a roadway collision when prompt and conclusive treatment can boost a sufferer’s opportunities of survival substantially.

In enhancement to safeguarding people that assist roadway collision sufferers, the Good Samaritan Law likewise inspires others to do the very same, spreading out compassion and responsibility amongst residents.

How Can We Contribute?

It is the obligation of every resident to assist roadway collision sufferers. Some of the life-saving steps consist of asking for a rescue, carrying out emergency treatment etc. It’s critical that the public is alerted of their lawful civil liberties under the Good Samaritan Law.
In order to assure that help is quickly obtainable to those in demand, especially in the results of roadway accidents, the Good Samaritan Law is a vital progression. The legislation urges a feeling of obligation amongst individuals and adds to making our
culture extra caring.