When any person is injured or any property of a third party is damaged, as a result of an accident in which a motor vehicle is involved, the driver of the vehicle or other person in charge of the vehicle shall—
(a) unless it is not practicable to do so on account of mob fury or any other reason beyond his control, take all reasonable steps to secure medical attention for the injured person, 4[by conveying him to the nearest medical practitioner or hospital, and it shall be the duty of every registered medical practitioner or the doctor on duty in the hospital immediately to attend to the injured person and render medical aid or treatment without waiting for any procedural formalities], unless the injured person or his guardian, in case he is a minor, desires otherwise;
(b) give on demand by a police officer any information required by him, or, if no police officer is present, report the circumstances of the occurrence, including the circumstances, if any, for not taking reasonable steps to secure medical attention as required under clause (a), at the nearest police station as soon as possible, and in any case within twenty-four hours of the occurrence.
1[(c) give the following information in writing to the insurer, who has issued the certificates of insurance, about the occurrence of the accident, namely:—
(i) insurance policy number and period of its validity;
(ii) date, time and place of accident;
(iii) particulars of the persons injured or killed in the accident;
(iv) name of the driver and the particulars of his driving licence.]
Explanation.— For the purposes of this section the expression “driver” includes the owner of the vehicle.
Simplified Explanation
Section 134 of the Motor Vehicles Act outlines the duties and responsibilities of a driver in the event of an accident that results in injury to a person. This provision is essential to ensure immediate aid to victims, proper reporting, and legal compliance following an accident. Here’s a detailed explanation:
Section 134 mandates that drivers involved in an accident causing injury to any person must adhere to specific responsibilities to assist the injured and cooperate with law enforcement authorities.
Key Points of Section 134:
- Stopping the Vehicle:
- The driver must stop the vehicle immediately after the accident occurs, regardless of the severity of the incident.
- Rendering Assistance:
- The driver is required to render all possible assistance to the injured person. This includes providing or arranging for medical aid, if necessary, and ensuring that the injured person can reach a hospital or medical facility promptly.
- Providing Information:
- The driver must provide their name and address, along with the vehicle’s registration number to the injured person or any witnesses. If requested, this information should also be provided to a police officer at the scene.
- Reporting to the Police:
- If there is an injury, the driver must report the accident at the nearest police station as soon as practically possible, and no later than 24 hours after the accident. This report should include details of the incident and the assistance offered.
- Not Hindering Medical Assistance:
- It’s imperative that the driver does not interfere with or prevent the injured from receiving timely medical help, whether by delaying the process or through other means.
- Penalties for Non-Compliance:
- Failing to comply with these duties can lead to legal actions including fines and, in severe cases, imprisonment. The specific penalties depend on the gravity of the offense and the resulting injuries.
Importance of Section 134:
- Immediate Assistance: Ensures that injured parties receive immediate medical attention, potentially saving lives or reducing the severity of injuries.
- Legal Accountability: Holds drivers accountable for their actions post-accident, ensuring they do not flee the scene and evade responsibilities.
- Evidence Preservation: By stopping and reporting the accident, drivers help preserve crucial evidence that might be needed for insurance claims or legal proceedings.
- Ethical Responsibility: Reinforces the ethical duty of care towards other road users and promotes responsible driving behavior.
This section of the Motor Vehicles Act plays a critical role in fostering a culture of responsibility and immediate response in the aftermath of road accidents, thereby aiding in the efficient management of emergency situations and reducing the potential for further harm.
