Road Ministry pitches tech idea to truckers to inform about accidents
On Friday, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways proposed the implementation of a technology system enabling truck drivers to notify authorities about an accident.
This suggestion aims to ensure that such incidents are not classified as hit-and-run cases under the new law.
Individuals who flee accident scenes without informing the police may face up to seven years in jail along with fines, according to the new Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, which is all set to replace the Indian Penal Code.
Although the law has not been implemented, truck, bus, and taxi drivers have protested this provision, causing disruptions in the supply chain.
The nationwide protest by truckers was halted following a meeting between delegates from the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) and the Union Home Ministry, where the government promised the AIMTC that the regulations for implementing the BNS have not been officially announced yet, and that truckers will be consulted before any such decision is taken.
According to ministry officials, Section 106 (2) of the BNS addresses hit-and-run incidents, stating that drivers are not obliged to report the accident directly from the crash site. Instead, drivers can inform the police by calling a designated helpline number or reporting to a police station at their convenience. The primary objective is to ensure prompt medical assistance for the victims.
However, inform they must, else risk up to seven years in jail along with fine.
