‘Law enforcers have little training for road accident probes…Truckers are ATMs for errant police officers’
Government has assured truckers and transporter organisations of consultations before enforcing Section 106(2) of the newly enacted Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), which deals with fatal hit-and-run cases, prescribing higher penalty for not informing police or other authorities “soon” after an accident. Road safety expert Rohit Baluja, who also trains police personnel on crash investigation, spoke with TOI about the concerns relating to this law:
BNS provision of up to 10 years in jail and fine related to hit-and-run cases is applicable for all drivers. Why are only heavy vehicle drivers concerned?
Police have a habitual system of considering vehicle drivers as the accused, and where a heavy vehicle is involved, the driver of the heavier vehicle is booked. Road accident investigation in India has been most rudimentary and unscientific. Even when pedestrians or bicyclists are at fault, or even if the road infrastructure is faulty, the default option is to make the heavier vehicle and its driver the accused.
Some say the new provision will be a deterrent and the injured will get quick medical care.
BNS provision of up to 10 years in jail and fine related to hit-and-run cases is applicable for all drivers. Why are only heavy vehicle drivers concerned?
Police have a habitual system of considering vehicle drivers as the accused, and where a heavy vehicle is involved, the driver of the heavier vehicle is booked. Road accident investigation in India has been most rudimentary and unscientific. Even when pedestrians or bicyclists are at fault, or even if the road infrastructure is faulty, the default option is to make the heavier vehicle and its driver the accused.
Some say the new provision will be a deterrent and the injured will get quick medical care.