Empathy on the roads : Can we make helping the norm?
There is a total absence of awareness of guidelines protecting Good Samaritans through the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 via Section 134A and supported by Central Motor Vehicle Rules 168 and 169.
Updated At : 03:52 PM Jun 19, 2025 IST
Needed: The government should award Good Samaritans who help accident victims. File photo
EACH year, India reckons with preventable tragedy on its roads. According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), 4,61,312 road accidents occurred in 2022, claiming 1,68,491 lives and injuring 4,43,366 individuals. Despite engineering, enforcement and education efforts, emergency response — often called the fourth 'E' of road safety — remains the weakest link. Victims perish due to delayed first aid or lack of transport. Deep-rooted public fear of harassment or legal hassles prevents bystanders from intervening.
