The traffic rules are going to be even stricter than before once the Motor Vehicle Act comes into action. At a time when the emergency service providers like ambulance, fire tenders etc face severe traffic jams, a new traffic norm is going to give a big relief to the people in need of emergency services. As per the new norms, the rule-breakers who do not give way to the ambulance or the fire brigade, from now onwards, will have to pay a fine up to Rs 10,000 or/and undergo imprisonment up to six months.
Not only this, the rule-breakers may lose their license card as well if they are caught indulged in speeding, racing, or drink driving. As speeding, racing and driving under the influence of alcohol are the prime factors behind the road accidents, the government is acting strictly on the riders and car drivers to curb accident. Authorities hope that with the bans, the accident will be reduced and people will learn to be more disciplined.
The Motor Vehicles Amendment Bill, 2019, which was cleared by the Lok Sabha on Tuesday introduced the aforementioned traffic norms and will soon be introduced in the Rajya Sabha for the final approval. Once the president gives his nod for the bill, it will be converted into a law and will be implemented all over the country.
SaveLIFE Foundation is a policy advocacy organisation working on road safety and emergency care, the founder of which, Piyush Tewari stated, “This Bill is an important first step to improve road safety in India. The law will help us meet our international commitments under the Brasilia Declaration of 2015 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The next important step is a speedy passage in Rajya Sabha to ensure full implementation of the legislation."
The implementation of the bill will lead to replacing a law that is 30 years old by now after which the road safety issues are expected to improve.