The Supreme Court has issued a significant directive to all States and Union Territories (UTs), calling for the creation of detailed protocols aimed at ensuring rapid assistance for road accident victims within the next six months. This ruling comes in response to a growing concern over delays in providing timely help to accident victims and the increasing number of road-related incidents.
During Thursday’s hearing, Justices Abhay S. Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan raised alarms over the lack of effective response systems, particularly in situations where victims, though not injured, remain trapped in their vehicles. The Court emphasized the urgent need for both local and national authorities to address the problem by implementing proactive measures. It also noted that regional differences may require tailored solutions.
States and UTs have been given six months to submit their progress reports on the action taken. The Court also urged them to consider a protocol shared by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) as a framework for their plans. NHAI has already outlined its efforts to improve response mechanisms, which will be reviewed in the coming months.
Additionally, the Court addressed the ongoing delay in forming a National Road Safety Board, as stipulated under the Motor Vehicles Act. While the Board’s formation remains stalled, the Centre has been ordered to provide a timeline for its completion.
The ruling also brought attention to the working hours of transport vehicle drivers. Despite legal limits capping driving hours to 8 per day and 48 per week, violations are common, contributing to fatigue-related accidents. The Court instructed the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to collaborate with state authorities to devise a robust enforcement mechanism, with compliance reports due by the end of August.
In an effort to curb speeding, the Court proposed exploring the use of real-time data to monitor vehicle speeds between toll booths, potentially creating a new tool for traffic enforcement. This suggestion has been flagged for further consideration as a step toward more efficient traffic control.
