Road safety bill offers legal protection to good Samaritans, tighter rules on vehicle modification

The road safety bill, 2083 BS, tabled in the federal parliament, proposes legal protection for citizens who promptly help people injured in accidents. Section 27 of the bill covers reporting accidents and rescuing the injured, and those who help will be considered "good Samaritans." If unintended damage occurs while helping in good faith, no civil or criminal liability will be imposed on such persons. The provision has been introduced to remove the fear of being caught up in police investigations or legal complications while helping.

Section 29 proposes that treating people brought in after an accident is the responsibility of the concerned health institution.

The bill seeks to give the National Road Safety Council the authority to monitor the modification, production, import and body building of vehicles. Safety equipment such as helmets and seat belts, and the standards of repair workshops, will also fall under monitoring. The mechanical condition of public vehicles and the inspection and certification process are proposed to be made stricter. The council may recommend improvements to the government over weaknesses found during monitoring.

Under Section 33, the council will operate a national accident record system, in which details from police to hospitals will be kept in a single electronic system. Monitoring of rescue and insurance will also be digital.