Abstract

India is an unfortunate victim of a large number of road crash fatalities. Three out of four people in the country are hesitant to help injured accident victims on roads due to fear of police harassment, detention at hospitals, and prolonged legal formalities. Even if someone wants to help, these factors stop them from doing so. In the last ten years, road crashes have killed over 13 lakh people in India. According to the Law Commission of India, 50% of these victims died of preventable injuries and could have been saved if they had received care on time. The role of the bystander is critical in providing emergency care to the victim. Yet, in India, bystanders have been hesitant to help the injured for fear of legal repercussions and procedural hassles. This study is intended to know the response of the people in a situation like road accidents and to orient about the law that is available to protect the interest of the by standers who voluntarily without having no lawful duty but as a moral responsibility comes and rescues the accident victim and save the life during the golden hour. The study has a main focus in analysing and appreciating the available laws on the good Samaritans and the awareness adequacy amongst the general public.

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