The immediate aftermath of an accident is crucial, often determining the outcome between life and death. It has been noted that the likelihood of saving lives drastically improves when victims receive urgent medical attention within the first hour, commonly known as the Golden Hour. According to the Law Commission, prompt intervention could prevent half of the fatalities. However, this issue extends beyond mere public indifference. An investigation conducted by SaveLIFE Foundation in collaboration with Thomson Reuters Foundation and the Trust Law network revealed that in many instances, bystander indifference is fueled by a significant fear of potential legal complications and bureaucratic obstacles.
To facilitate prompt medical assistance and protect Good Samaritans who render aid, the Good Samaritan Law was enacted in 2016. This legislation shields individuals from legal or financial liabilities when assisting accident victims. Subsequently, in 2019, the government of India, as part of the Motor Vehicle Amendment Act, introduced a section aimed at further ensuring protection for Good Samaritans.
In this light, it is worth highlighting stories where acts of selflessness by strangers have rescued individuals from peril. Even though all heroes do not wear capes they certainly share a common tribute- Empathy. They can emerge from any walk of life, united by their compassion for others.
Stories of Champions of Road Safety from different parts of the country
The Young Bravehearts of Pune
On July 25, 2017, Sania Kulkarni and Rutuja Budukh were stopped on their journey by the sound of a loud crash. They found a 21-year-old, Aniket Barwekar, struck by a PMPML bus in Karishma Society, Kothrud, Pune, bleeding profusely and in a critical condition. Without hesitation, the girls attempted to arrange an ambulance, but realizing the potential delay, they courageously opted to transport Aniket to the nearest hospital via a rickshaw. Accompanying him, they took charge, checking his phones, using his SIM card on their phone to contact his family. En route, they encountered an ambulance, swiftly transferring him to receive necessary first aid. Their quick thinking and decisive actions ensured Aniket’s prompt transfer to the hospital, where he underwent a successful operation, ultimately saving his life.
A Good Samaritan for Life
At 72 years of age, Suraj Prakash Vaid, a taxi driver by profession, has saved over a hundred lives by promptly transporting accident victims to the hospital. His journey as a Good Samaritan began at the age of 24 when he witnessed a tragic accident in Delhi, where two individuals were struck by a speeding car. Acting swiftly, he transported them to the hospital in an auto-rickshaw. Since that fateful day, he made it his mission to aid accident victims. For nearly 50 years, Suraj Prakash Vaid has dedicated himself to this noble cause.
Kindness Begets Kindness
Pankaj Kumar Tarai, a 38-year-old hailing from Jagatsinghpur, Orissa, founded Devdutt Sanghatan in 2015 with the sole mission of rescuing accident victims. Leading a team of 25 dedicated volunteers, they have successfully saved over 400 victims till date, with 300 making a full recovery. Pankaj’s steadfast commitment is palpable as he facilitates seamless coordination among volunteers, policemen, firefighters, and medical professionals through a dedicated WhatsApp group. Impressively, he allocates 25% of his monthly income to sustain this altruistic endeavor, demonstrating an exceptional dedication to societal wellbeing.
The Helmet Man of India
Wearing a helmet is a crucial safety measure for bike riders, yet many two-wheeler drivers attempt to avoid it. Raghavendra Kumar, known as the “Helmet Man of India,”, has an inspiring story which underscores the significance of his life-saving practice on the road. Hailing from Kaimur village in Bihar and holding a law degree, Raghavendra’s life took a transformative turn in 2014 when he experienced a personal tragedy: the loss of a close friend in a bike accident due to not wearing a helmet.
Determined to prevent such tragedies, Raghavendra made it his life’s mission to raise awareness about helmet safety. He began by distributing free helmets to those without them on the roads, an initiative that has seen him provide over 60,000 helmets across 22 states in India over the last decade. Remarkably, he sacrificed his ancestral land and left his job to focus solely on this noble cause.
Raghavendra practices what he preaches by wearing a helmet even when driving a car, emphasizing the importance of this safety measure. His efforts have not gone unnoticed and he has received accolades from the Government. He was honored with the Asian Excellence Award in 2022. Moreso, by leveraging social media platforms, he continues to champion road safety awareness.
It is genuinely heartwarming to witness the remarkable acts of kindness displayed by ordinary Indians, who often go above and beyond to perform selfless deeds. Through their altruistic actions, countless lives that might have otherwise been lost have been saved. The implementation of the Good Samaritan Law ensures that the interests of these heroes who step forward to help are safeguarded.
As responsible citizens, it is incumbent upon each one of us to act responsibly when encountering a road accident. By cultivating empathy and compassion in our behavior on the road, we can contribute to creating a lasting difference in the safety of our roads and for a long time ahead.
Save a life. Make a Difference. Be a Hero. Every contribution counts.
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