In New Delhi, a tragic incident occurred where a dedicated gardener named Rajesh, who supported his family as the main provider, was fatally hit by a speeding car while cycling to work in Bhogal on Saturday. This event not only ended Rajesh's life but also shattered the hopes and ambitions of his wife and two children. Rajesh's untimely death is just one example in a series of cases where complaints are filed against drivers of unidentified vehicles, who often secure immediate bail if caught, leading to prolonged legal processes. Shockingly, hit-and-run incidents, which make up a significant portion of accidents in the city, are increasing, with many drivers believing they can manipulate the legal system with legal assistance after the fact. Some drivers also cite fear of retribution as a motivation for fleeing the scene.

A senior police official emphasized that many individuals who flee accident sites do so out of fear of violence, financial exploitation, or legal entanglements. To tackle this issue, it is necessary to implement measures that surpass the protections provided by existing laws like the Good Samaritan law. Although hit-and-run incidents persist, collaboration between traffic and local police has helped reduce casualties, with fewer deaths from unknown vehicles in recent months compared to previous years. Despite this progress, data suggest a rise in fatalities this year, highlighting the ongoing need for effective enforcement measures to address this pressing safety concern.During the period from January to May 2023, the top 10 road segments in the national capital, including Ring Road, National Highway (NH) 24, NH 8, Rohtak Road, GTK Road, and Mathura Road, have seen a high number of fatal accidents this year. Previously, cases of hit-and-run were prosecuted under IPC Section 304A, with a maximum punishment of two years. Now, according to Section 106(2) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, the maximum sentence has been increased to 10 years. However, the lack of public awareness may be hindering the effectiveness of this deterrent measure.