Karnataka Leads, Becomes The First State In India To Come Up With The Good Samaritan Law

The World Health Organisation estimated in 2010, that India has the highest number of road accident deaths in the world at approximately 15 deaths per hour. A number of studies have shown that 80 percent of the road accident victims could be saved when medical treatment is made available within one hour of the accident. But there are certain apprehensions that prevent people from helping the hapless victims. The biggest deterrent is the fear of being questioned by the hospital staff and police, and spending time going to courts till the case is closed. Efforts are made to protect bystanders by implementing the Good Samaritan law.

Karnataka has become the first state in India to come out with a legislation for the Good Samaritan law in order to protect the people who help accident victims. The Karnataka Good Samaritan and Medical Professional Bill, will be tabled in the forthcoming legislative session.

Almost two years ago, the Supreme Court of India emphasized on framing guidelines to protect bystanders to reduce their hesitation to assist. Fear of being sued or prosecuted for unintentional injury or wrongful death prevents many from coming forward to save lives. The Supreme court directives prompted the Union Road Transport Ministry to come out with law that will be a relief to bystanders.

Cabinet has approved K'taka Good Samaritan & Medical Professional Bill 2016 seeking to incentivise bystanders to help accident victims.

— CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) November 10, 2016

“However, Karnataka will be the first state in the country to come out with a legislation that prevents Good Samaritans from getting embroiled in protracted police probes and prosecution processes,” said law minister T B Jayachandra, as reported by The Times of India.

during golden hour to protect the bystanders &medical professionals from getting embroiled in medico-legal cases. Will become mandatory

— CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) November 10, 2016

“There have been several cases where people have been found busy clicking photos or making videos of the victims, instead of saving them by administering first-aid or rushing them to nearby hospitals. Three months ago, I was travelling on a highway, when I reached an accident spot. A truck, following brake failure, had run over people who were standing at a bus stop nearby. What shocked me was the reaction of the bystanders. They were dissuading others from reaching out to the victims for fear of getting trapped in legal wrangles. With this legislation, we want to make it clear that those helping accident victims won’t be subjected to harassment from police or be forced to attend courts,” said Jayachandra, as reported by The Times of India.

All hospitals to give first-aid to accident victims. The significant Bill will be tabled in upcoming Winter Session of Assembly

— CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) November 10, 2016

The Logical Indian welcomes this move by the Karnataka government and believes that it will help save more lives. For more information about #yourrights as a #GoodSamaritan, please visit www.goodsamaritanlaw.in

In the absence of an efficient Emergency Medical Services system in India, bystanders can play a crucial role in providing assistance to victims within the first one hour. In fact, the Law Commission of India had noted in its 201^st report that over 50 percent of road accident deaths can be averted with timely medical care within the first one hour. Considering that Karnataka is one of the top 5 states in road accidents deaths in India with over 10,800 people being killed in 2015 alone, the proposed legislation will potentially save over 5000 lives annually.

Piyush Tewari, Founder and CEO of SaveLIFE Foundation said, “We thank the Karnataka Cabinet for this momentous decision. This law will strengthen the framework outlined by the Honorable Supreme Court to protect Good Samaritans from legal and procedural hassles and provides a path for its effective implementation. We hope that other States will follow Karnataka’s lead and enact the Good Samaritan Law to enable bystander care and save lives.”

We at The Logical Indian with the help of our community members and SaveLife Foundation (SLF) have been trying to create awareness about the Good Samaritan Law and Road Safety Law. Every citizen of our country must be aware of this law and it can only be done with the help of yours.

To know more, please read:
1.) Now Help Road Accident Victims Without Fear Of Legal Harassment

2.) Road Safety Week- Join Awareness Campaign

3.) Are You A Responsible Bystander? Learn Your Responsibility As A Good Samaritan

4.) Every Year 9000+ Car Crashes Occur Due To Fog, Here Are Few Life Saving Driving Tips