Accident victims need to be attended to immediately…
India has the dubious distinction of having one of the highest road accident rates in the world. Some of the factors that are responsible for this sorry state of affairs are the bad condition of roads, lack of road dividers, presence of two-wheelers and autorickshaws, lack of driving discipline, poor condition of trucks, deficient driving skills, driving under influence etc.
Time and again, we read in the newspapers that after a road accident, pedestrian victims or victims in a vehicle or two-wheeler continued to remain fallen at the accident spot unattended. This is particularly true about accidents that occur on the highways.
It is the primary responsibility of the person at fault to pick up the injured persons and transport them to the hospital. Often they fail to do so and escape from the spot with a view to avoid being charged as per law. No mercy should be shown to such persons if and when they are apprehended.
While walking-by or driving-by, you may encounter an accident spot. Even if no one else comes forward, do not hesitate to check the condition of the injured and if they are in a condition to be moved, shift them to the nearest hospital without delay. If you are unsure whether it is safe to move the injured, call Ambulance and Police helplines and in the meantime, try to give first aid to the injured.
Highway Rescue Project and other initiatives…
Highway Rescue Project has set up dedicated emergency contact numbers in Gujarat, Kerala, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and West Bengal. On receiving information on any accident, they immediately mobilize the nearest team who rush to the accident site.
The aim of such initiatives is to ensure that the injured receive proper attention and medical care within the 'Golden Hour'. Taking an accident victim to the hospital within an hour dramatically increases his or her chances of survival and recovery.
So let’s all resolve to do our bit by driving responsibly so that no accidents are caused by us and also by ensuring that persons causing accidents are nabbed and the injured are moved to hospitals quickly. We can also alert Highway Accident Project about accidents encountered by us on highways.
'Good Samaritans' need not worry about harassment by Police...
Central Government has mandated that bystanders who help an accident victim should not be harassed by Police and other authorities. Such persons should be allowed to leave immediately if they take an injured person to hospital, without being questioned. They shall not be liable for any civil or criminal liability. A person making a call informing about an accident cannot be compelled to reveal his or her identity.
The guidelines also state that Hospitals cannot detain the person who brings the victim, for registration and admission costs. Disclosure of personal information like name and contact details shall be voluntary and optional. A Good Samaritan who voluntarily states that he or she is an eyewitness to the accident shall be examined only once by Police and court.