In a bid to curb the rising hit-and-run incidents and the ensuing mob fury, the road transport ministry is proposing a novel solution – an online reporting framework for accidents. This move aims to provide drivers a safe and immediate way to report accidents, thereby avoiding the harsh penalties under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanita (BNS).
The BNS, though not yet enforced, has already caused a stir among truck, bus, and taxi drivers, who face up to seven years in jail and fines if they flee the accident site without informing the police. The Centre, acknowledging the disruptions this has caused in the supply chain, has assured to consult the transporters before enforcing this provision.
Union road transport secretary Anurag Jain, addressing the fears of commercial vehicle drivers, stated that fleeing from an accident site is a serious issue. However, he also acknowledged the genuine concerns of truckers, such as the risk of their vehicle being set on fire or facing mob fury if they stop at the accident site.
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The proposed solution? A police online platform where accidents can be reported, which would not be treated as a hit-and-run case. Drivers can also inform about the incident at a police station 25-50 km away from the site. To address the fear of drivers being held for hit-and-run before they can report the case, a provision for calling on a helpline number is also being considered.
The final call on this issue, however, rests with the home ministry. As per section 106 (2) of BNS, drivers don’t have to inform the police from the crash site, allowing them to call the helpline number or inform a police station at their convenience.
This initiative, if implemented, could be a game-changer in managing road accidents and ensuring driver safety. But as with all things bureaucratic, the wheels of change turn slowly.
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