Road accidents continue to be a leading cause of death, disabilities and hospitalization in the country despite our commitment and efforts. India ranks first in the number of road accident deaths across the 199 countries and accounts for almost 11% of the accident-related deaths in the World. The Law Commission of India in its 201st report stated that 50% road crash victims who lost their lives could have been saved if they would have received care on time. 

In India, there is no Efficient Emergency Medical Services. So, the bystanders can play a crucial role in saving lives. However, these bystanders prefer making videos on their mobile phones and showing their concern on social media instead of helping these crash victims. They avoid helping the victims as they fear legal repercussions and procedural issues including harassment by the police and medical practitioners.

The World Health Organization in its report titled ‘Prehospital Trauma Care Systems’ has stated that bystanders must feel empowered to act towards helping the injured and be confident that they would not face any legal liability as a result of their actions.