India’s Good Samaritan Regulation: Bridging the Hole Between Assist and Hesitation

India witnessed a surprisingly excessive highway crash toll in 2023, with one particular person dying each three minutes. The nation noticed a complete of 1.72 lakh highway crash deaths in 2023, a 4.2% improve from 2022 (1.68 lakh fatalities). Almost 45% of the deaths in 2023 have been of motorists on two-wheelers, adopted by pedestrian casualties at 20%. Non-usage of security gear, reminiscent of riders not carrying helmets, accounted for 31.5% of fatalities, and 9.3% individuals have been killed due to not carrying seat belts. In many of the deaths, rushing was one of many main causes, accounting for 68.1% fatalities.

Whereas these alarming statistics spotlight the pressing want for safer roads and accountable behaviour, the Good Samaritan Regulation emerges as a beacon of hope, encouraging well timed help to highway crash victims and the potential to avoid wasting numerous lives.

What’s the Good Samaritan Regulation?

The Supreme Court docket instituted India’s first Good Samaritan legislation in 2016 — following a petition by the SaveLIFE Basis in 2012 — which provides authorized safety to bystanders aiding highway crash victims with none civil or legal legal responsibility. This legislation is designed to incentivise residents to return ahead and help highway crash victims.

There have been numerous examples of passers-by holding again, and refusing assist to highway crash victims as a result of they didn’t wish to be confronted with the police, hospitals and the courts. Many have been additionally unaware of the necessity for speedy care within the aftermath of a crash, of the truth that most highway crash victims die of treatable accidents.

To encourage individuals additional, the federal government has additionally lately determined to extend the reward quantity for Good Samaritans to Rs 25,000, 5 occasions greater than the present reward cash of Rs 5,000, reflecting its dedication to saving lives on the highway.

“Each second issues on the subject of saving lives within the occasion of a highway crash. Concern of civil or legal liabilities mustn’t discourage residents from extending assist. The Good Samaritan Regulation, which was instituted by the Supreme Court docket of India in 2016 following a writ petition by SaveLIFE Basis, isn’t just a laws — it empowers strange residents to behave terribly in occasions of disaster. India should be sure that serving to fingers are protected, and never punished,” stated Founder and CEO of SaveLIFE Basis, Piyush Tewari.

Key Options of the Good Samaritan Regulation

1. Safety from Authorized Repercussions

Good Samaritans are shielded by the legislation from any legal responsibility or authorized motion which will consequence from their help to highway crash victims.

2. Confidentiality of Private Data

Until the particular person offering support needs to disclose her/his private data, their id is saved personal.

3. Exemption from Court docket Appearances

Until they have been vital witnesses to highway crash incidents, Good Samaritans will not be required to look in courts.

4. Encouraging Rapid Help

Bystanders are inspired by the legislation to supply speedy support to highway crash victims, with out the fear of getting embroiled in authorized processes.

Impression of the Good Samaritan Regulation

The Good Samaritan Regulation is aimed toward encouraging residents to return ahead and help highway crash victims through the ‘Golden hour’ with out worry of harassment or intimidation.

The ‘Golden hour’ is the primary 60 minutes following a highway crash when well timed and definitive care can improve a sufferer’s possibilities of survival considerably.

Along with defending people who support highway crash victims, the Good Samaritan Regulation additionally motivates others to do the identical, spreading empathy and accountability amongst residents.

How Can We Contribute?

It’s the accountability of each citizen to assist highway crash victims. A number of the life-saving measures embrace calling for an ambulance, administering first support and so forth. It’s essential that most of the people is made conscious of their authorized rights beneath the Good Samaritan Regulation.
As a way to assure that help is definitely accessible to these in want, significantly within the aftermath of highway crashes, the Good Samaritan Regulation is a vital step ahead. The legislation encourages a way of accountability amongst individuals and contributes to creating our
society extra compassionate.