Traffic Police Pilot Good Samaritan Initiative

India has a very high rate of road accident casualties compared to other parts of the world.

And the IT capital also logs a high number.

While on an average, over 17 people die due to road accidents every hour in India, 50%  succumb because no one comes forward to help in what is called the golden hour.

We have all watched videos of bystanders taking photos and videos of accident victims begging for help or in a precarious condition, but none from the crowd come forward.

Why?

Many citizens are hesitant due to what they call police harassment, lengthy hospital procedures and legal formalities

In 2012 a PIL was filed in the Supreme Court to protect these ‘good samaritans’ who come forward to selflessly help those in need.

According to the Ministry of Road Transportation and Highways, a Good samaritan is someone who without expectation of benefits, volunteers to provide immediate assistance or medical care to someone in need of emergency help or aid.

And what does the law say?

The Good Samaritan Law allows a person who volunteers to help administer immediate assistance or emergency care is shielded from harassment following the legalities that arise from helping road accident victims.

This was done to encourage the public to help accident victims, as many passed away after receiving no help in the golden hour – first hour from accident.

In a far-reaching initiative, the Bengaluru DCP North Traffic Police division under DCP Savitha S has started Neravu, a self help group where police will join hands with public.

This group will monitor highways, flyover ramps and busy main roads to ensure that victims reach the nearest hospital quickly.

DCP Savitha also hopes that some of these volunteers can be trained in administering first aid.

How can one volunteer?

You can visit your nearest traffic police station to register as a volunteer.

Please remember, if you ever see an accident and nobody to help, you can step right in and save the victim.

We hope this story inspires many citizens to become that good samaritan that saves, or atleast tried to save, an unknown person’s life.

(Story by Maria Kuruvilla)