The Supreme Court of India has recently brought into light critical issues concerning road safety and the immediate assistance for accident victims. The court’s bench, comprising Justices Abhay S. Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan, emphasised the rising number of road accidents across the country. They urged all states and union territories to establish protocols for swift responses to help victims. The court acknowledged the need for a structured approach to ensure the safety of individuals involved in road incidents.
Current Situation of Road Safety in India
Road accidents in India are increasing. Many victims do not receive timely help. Some may be trapped in vehicles, requiring urgent assistance. The Supreme Court’s intervention aims to create a robust response mechanism for these situations.
State Obligations for Victim Assistance
The court has mandated that states and union territories develop swift action protocols. These protocols should ensure immediate help for accident victims. The court has granted a six-month period for states to respond and implement these measures.
Role of the National Highway Authority of India
The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has proposed a protocol addressing road safety. The Supreme Court has directed NHAI to share this protocol with all states and union territories. NHAI is also required to submit an affidavit detailing the steps taken to improve road safety within six months.
Constitution of the National Road Safety Board
The Supreme Court has raised concerns regarding the National Road Safety Board, which has yet to be constituted. The Motor Vehicles Act mandates this board, but it remains unformed. The court has instructed the Centre to provide a timeline for appointing board members.
Traffic Offenders and Legal Proceedings
The court examined provisions in the Uttar Pradesh Motor Vehicles Act that allow automatic abatement of proceedings against traffic offenders. This means offenders may escape penalties if fines are not paid promptly. The court has requested a response from the Uttar Pradesh government on this issue.
Driver Working Hours in the Transport Sector
The Supreme Court has noted that the Motor Vehicles Act limits driver working hours to eight hours a day and 48 hours a week. However, these regulations are poorly enforced. The court has directed the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to collaborate with state departments to ensure compliance.
Annual Report on Road Accidents
The court has pointed out that the annual report on road accidents for 2023 has not yet been published. It has ordered the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to submit this report by August 2025. Timely publication of such data is crucial for public awareness and safety improvements.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically examine the effectiveness of road safety measures implemented in India.
- Discuss the role of state governments in ensuring road safety and victim assistance.
- What are the implications of automatic abatement of proceedings for traffic offenders? Explain.
- With suitable examples, discuss the importance of timely publication of road safety data.
Answer Hints:
1. Critically examine the effectiveness of road safety measures implemented in India.
- Road accidents in India are rising, indicating a gap in current safety measures.
- The Supreme Court has mandated states to develop swift action protocols for victim assistance.
- National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has proposed a protocol, but its implementation varies across states.
- Enforcement of existing laws, such as the Motor Vehicles Act, is inconsistent, affecting overall effectiveness.
- Public awareness and education on road safety are lacking, contributing to high accident rates.
2. Discuss the role of state governments in ensuring road safety and victim assistance.
- State governments are required to establish swift action protocols for immediate victim assistance.
- They must collaborate with NHAI to implement road safety measures effectively.
- States need to ensure compliance with the Motor Vehicles Act, including driver working hour regulations.
- Regular training and awareness programs for traffic police and the public are essential for effective enforcement.
- States should report on the implementation of road safety measures to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
3. What are the implications of automatic abatement of proceedings for traffic offenders? Explain.
- Automatic abatement allows traffic offenders to escape penalties if fines are not paid on time.
- This provision undermines the deterrent effect of traffic laws and may encourage repeat offenses.
- It raises concerns about accountability and the effectiveness of the legal system in enforcing traffic regulations.
- Victims may feel justice is not served, leading to public distrust in law enforcement.
- Legislative reforms may be necessary to address this loophole and ensure timely justice for victims.
4. With suitable examples, discuss the importance of timely publication of road safety data.
- Timely publication of road accident data helps identify trends and areas needing improvement.
- For example, data can reveal high accident zones, prompting targeted safety measures like speed bumps or traffic lights.
- Public access to data raises awareness and encourages safe driving practices among citizens.
- Government accountability is enhanced when data is regularly published, prompting timely action on road safety issues.
- Comparative analysis of data over years can guide policy decisions and resource allocation for road safety initiatives.
