(1) The driver of a motor vehicle shall cause the vehicle to stop and remain stationary so long as [may for such reasonable time as may be necessary, but not exceeding twenty-four hours]—
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[(a) when required to do so by any police officer not below the rank of a Sub-Inspector in uniform, in the event of the vehicle being involved in the occurrence of an accident to a person, animal or vehicle or of damage to property, or]
(b) when required to do so by any person in charge of an animal if such person apprehends that the animal is, or being alarmed by the vehicle will become, unmanageable, or
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and he shall give his name and address and the name and address of the owner of the vehicle to any person affected by any such accident or damage who demands it provided such person also furnishes his name and address.
(2) The driver of a motor vehicle shall, on demand by a person giving his own name and address and alleging that the driver has committed an offence punishable under section 184 give his name and address to that person.
(3) In this section the expression “animal” means any horse, cattle, elephant, camel, ass, mule, sheep or goat.
Simplified Explanation
Section 132 of the Motor Vehicles Act addresses the responsibilities of drivers to stop their vehicles under specific circumstances, particularly in the event of accidents or when required by law enforcement. This section is essential for ensuring proper conduct after incidents on the road and for facilitating legal and emergency procedures. Here’s a detailed explanation:
Section 132 mandates that drivers must stop their vehicles immediately under certain conditions, primarily when involved in an accident or when signaled by traffic officers. This obligation is crucial for accident investigation, providing aid, and legal accountability.
Key Points of Section 132:
- Stopping After an Accident:
- If involved in an accident, the driver is required to stop immediately at the scene. This is important not only for ethical reasons but also for legal ones, as it allows for emergency assistance to be rendered and for the necessary information exchange and documentation.
- Providing Information:
- After stopping, the driver must provide their name and address, along with the vehicle’s registration number and other relevant information to the authorities or to the individuals involved in the accident. This facilitates insurance and legal processes.
- Assisting the Injured:
- The law may also require the driver to render reasonable assistance to anyone injured in the accident. This could include calling emergency services or providing first aid, if capable.
- Compliance with Law Enforcement:
- Drivers must also stop when signaled to do so by a police officer or other authorized personnel. This can be for routine checks, suspicions of law violations, or as part of security protocols.
- Penalties for Non-Compliance:
- Failing to stop, especially after being involved in an accident, can lead to severe penalties, including fines, imprisonment, or both. This reflects the seriousness with which the law treats the duty to stop and cooperate.
- Reporting the Incident:
- In some cases, drivers are also required to report the accident to the nearest police station if no officer is present at the scene. This must be done as quickly as possible.
Importance of Section 132:
- Accountability: Ensures that drivers involved in accidents are held accountable for their actions and can be identified by those affected.
- Legal Compliance: Facilitates the enforcement of laws and the administration of justice, particularly in cases of road accidents.
- Safety and Aid: Promotes the safety of all road users by ensuring that help is provided to accident victims and that the scene of an accident is managed properly to prevent further incidents.
This section of the Motor Vehicles Act plays a crucial role in maintaining order and providing necessary interventions in the aftermath of road accidents, thereby enhancing road safety and ensuring that necessary legal procedures are followed.
