Accident Compensation Claims to be Settled Within One Year
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is making significant amendments to the Motor Vehicle Act to streamline accident compensation claims. The proposed amendments are aimed at resolving such cases within a year to provide timely relief to accident victims and their families. The proposal includes reducing delays and ensuring that compensation is disbursed quickly.
The amendments will also address the regulation of speed limits for different categories of vehicles, including expressways, national highways, and state roads. States will have to obtain the central government's approval to change speed limits for any category of vehicles.
Key Highlights of the Proposed Amendments
- Resolution of Compensation Claims: The Ministry has proposed that all accident compensation claims must be filed within six months of the incident. The amendments aim to settle these claims within one year to expedite the relief process for victims.
- Changes in Speed Regulations: States will need to get approval from the central government to implement any changes in speed regulations on expressways and national highways. A maximum speed limit of 120 km/h has been proposed for passenger cars on expressways, while transport vehicles will have separate limits. This change will standardize speed limits across states and ensure consistent regulations.
- School Bus Safety Regulations: For the first time, the proposed amendments include a separate set of rules for school buses. The Ministry is considering making it mandatory for school buses to have additional safety features, such as speed governors, and to comply with specific safety standards. Schools will also be responsible for ensuring the safety of students while commuting.
- Simplification of Licensing Procedures: The proposal includes the establishment of dedicated licensing facilities for differently abled drivers and senior citizens. Licensing procedures will be simplified, and all states must ensure compliance with these new rules.
Addressing Overloading and Traffic Violations
The Ministry has also proposed stricter penalties for overloading and other traffic violations. Heavier fines and penalties will be imposed on transport companies and individual drivers for non-compliance. Overloading remains a major cause of accidents, and the new regulations aim to reduce such incidents.
Improved Compensation Process
If the accident results in death or permanent disability, families will receive immediate interim relief to avoid delays in compensation. Cases that are not resolved within a year will be taken up by a fast-track tribunal.
The Ministry has proposed these amendments after consultations with various stakeholders, including state governments, traffic police departments, and transport unions. These changes aim to reduce accidents, ensure road safety, and provide faster compensation to victims.
The proposal will be presented in the upcoming session of Parliament, and if passed, the new rules will be implemented across the country by 2025.
