New Delhi, 04 January (H.S.): The Central Road Transport and Highways Ministry on Sunday made a fervent appeal to citizens to fearlessly assist road accident victims, assuring complete legal protection and a cash reward of Rs 25,000 along with a commendation certificate to every Raha Veer (Good Samaritan) who helps during the critical first golden hour.

A single individual can receive this honour up to five times in a year.The ministry emphasized that under Section 134A of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, notified through Good Samaritan Rules in 2020, helpers are fully exempt from civil or criminal liability.

Good Samaritans are not required to disclose their name, address, or phone number at the scene, nor can they face unnecessary police questioning, detention, or harassment. Hospitals are prohibited from charging emergency treatment costs to the helper, and if they choose to serve as a witness, their statement will be recorded only once — at a time and place of their convenience.

Golden Hour: The Critical First 60 Minutes

The ministry highlighted that the first hour after a serious injury, known as the Golden Hour, dramatically reduces the risk of death or permanent disability if swift assistance is provided. No medical training or special equipment is required — only good intention and basic humanity suffice to make a life-saving difference, the statement noted.

Many preventable deaths occur simply because bystanders hesitate due to fears of police involvement or legal complications.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari had previously pointed out that road accidents inflict nearly 3% damage to India's GDP. The ministry urged every citizen witnessing an accident to step forward immediately, declaring, Raha Veer ban, jaan bachao (Become a Good Samaritan, save a life) — for one courageous step could be the difference between life and death.

The appeal comes amid ongoing efforts to combat India's alarming road safety crisis, where timely intervention by ordinary citizens remains a vital yet underutilized lifeline for accident victims.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar