According to government statistics, 1.5 lakh people end up losing their lives annually on Indian roads. On an average, 400 deaths every day. 5 lakh road accidents a year in which 1.5 lakh people die and another 3 lakh get crippled. The number of fatalities related to road accidents is increasing year by year.
In order to cut down the fatalities rates, the Central Government approved the much-awaited Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Bill, 2016, which proposes hefty penalties for violation of traffic norms including up to Rs 10,000 fine for drunken driving and Rs 2 lakh compensation for hit-and-run cases. It aims to bring down the number of fatalities by 50% in five years.
In the present Motor Vehicle Act, there are 223 Sections. It was decided to amend 68 sections and to delete chapter 10, while replacing chapter 11 with new provisions to simplify third party insurance claims and settlement process. The important provisions include increase in compensation for hit and run cases from Rs 25000 to Rs 2 lakhs. It also has provision for payment of compensation upto Rs 10 lakh in road accidents fatalities.
Stricter provisions are being proposed with respect to offences like driving without licence, over-speeding, juvenile driving, drunken driving, dangerous driving, overloading etc.
Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Bill 2016
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