According to official data from the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, an average of 470 people lose their lives daily in road accidents across the country. Over 1.50 lakh lives are lost annually on the roads, with more than twice as many suffering serious injuries. Tragically, 60% of those involved in accidents fall within the age group of 18 to 34. Promptly transporting accident victims to hospitals could significantly reduce the fatality rate. In Kerala, although the number of road accidents increased in 2024, fatalities decreased, according to data from the Motor Vehicles Department. The department attributes this decline to increased helmet usage and greater adherence to seatbelt regulations. The availability of quality hospitals capable of providing immediate care in Kerala is also cited as a contributing factor to the reduced fatality rate.
Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India, Nitin Gadkari, recently made two commendable announcements regarding road accidents. One initiative offers a cash reward of Rs 25,000 to those who transport accident victims to hospitals. The amount will be allocated under the 'Good Samaritan' scheme. The amount, which was previously 5,000 rupees, has now been increased to 25,000 rupees. The minister explained that the increase was made because the current amount was found to be insufficient in encouraging people to take the injured to the hospital. Those who transport victims to hospitals within one hour of the accident will get the benefit of the scheme.
Another announcement is that those who are seriously injured in road accidents will be given free treatment up to Rs 1.5 lakh without paying any money. Minister Gadkari made this announcement in the Lok Sabha, stating that the benefit would be available to individuals involved in accidents on national and state highways. These initiatives are expected to be implemented nationwide within three months. Victims will receive one week's treatment at hospitals empanelled under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. The funds will be provided to hospitals from the respective motor vehicle accident fund. Various stakeholders, including the National Health Authority, police, empanelled hospitals, state health departments, the National Informatics Centre, and the General Insurance Council, will collaborate to implement the scheme.
The Ministry of Transport has also sought the assistance of insurance companies to fund the project. The ministry has proposed that 2.97% of third-party insurance premiums be allocated to the Road Accident Fund. These two announcements made by the Union Minister are expected to be implemented soon. Penalizing traffic violations alone cannot significantly reduce accidents. State governments should be ready to allocate a portion of the fines collected as penalties to assist those who are injured and require long-term medical care. Similarly, departments responsible for negligence—such as failing to install proper signboards, leaving pipes and trenches open, or laying cables carelessly—should be held accountable for providing compensation. Legislative measures that support these actions are essential.