New Fund Proposed to Support Accident Victims of Non-Insured Vehicles in India

Justice J R Midha, appointed by the Supreme Court as amicus curiae for motor accident compensation claims, advocated on Monday for a dedicated fund to aid victims of accidents involving uninsured vehicles. The International Road Federation (IRF) reports that over half of the vehicles in India lack insurance.

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Midha highlighted the dire state of road conditions and the poor treatment of drivers, who often drive long hours without adequate rest or sleep. He suggested that the government could establish a fund to compensate owners of uninsured vehicles or accident victims. This fund could be financed by adding a small cess to fuel prices or vehicle registration fees.

Road Safety Concerns

Justice Midha also addressed the issue of drunk driving, which has seen a rise in various parts of the country. He proposed that restaurants should only serve alcohol to patrons who have a designated driver or agree to hire a driver provided by the restaurant. "Some restaurants in Mumbai implemented this concept temporarily, and it should be included in the bar licence requirements," he stated.

During his tenure as a judge at the Delhi High Court, Justice Midha developed a special scheme for the prompt settlement of motor accident claims within 90 to 120 days. This scheme was put into effect in Delhi starting April 2010.

Improving Road Safety

IRF President Emeritus K K Kapila also spoke at the event, stressing the severity of road accidents and fatalities in India. He emphasised the need for coordinated efforts across all levels of governance to enhance road safety. "There is an urgent need to work in a coordinated manner to improve the scenario of road safety by bringing all stakeholders from all levels of governance," he added.

The IRF's statistics underscore the critical nature of this issue, with more than 50 per cent of vehicles on Indian roads being uninsured. This lack of insurance leaves many accident victims without financial support for medical expenses or vehicle repairs.

Justice Midha's proposal aims to address this gap by creating a fund specifically for compensating those affected by accidents involving uninsured vehicles. By introducing a small cess on fuel or vehicle registration, this fund could provide much-needed relief to victims and their families.

The event organised by IRF brought together various stakeholders to discuss and find solutions for improving road safety in India. The discussions highlighted the importance of addressing both infrastructure issues and driver welfare to reduce accidents and fatalities.

The call for better road conditions and driver care is crucial, as many drivers are forced to work long hours without proper rest, increasing the risk of accidents. Ensuring that drivers have adequate rest and safe working conditions is essential for reducing road accidents.

In conclusion, Justice Midha's suggestions and IRF's efforts highlight the urgent need for comprehensive measures to improve road safety in India. Establishing a dedicated fund for uninsured accident victims and implementing stricter regulations on alcohol service can significantly reduce road accidents and fatalities.