NEW DELHI: Rajesh, a hardworking gardener and the main provider for his family, tragically met his end on Saturday while cycling to work in Bhogal. A speeding car struck him, not only ending his life but also shattering the hopes and dreams of his wife and two children. Rajesh's premature death is just one in a series of incidents where the drivers of unidentified vehicles face charges in hit-and-run cases. These drivers often secure immediate bail and evade legal consequences for years. Shockingly, over 40% of accidents in the city are attributed to hit-and-runs or incidents involving unidentified vehicles.

The rising number of hit-and-run cases is fueled by drivers believing they can navigate legal matters with the help of lawyers. Some mention fear of public retribution as a motive for fleeing the scene. A senior police officer explained that many individuals flee accident sites out of fear of physical harm, financial exploitation, or lengthy legal battles. To address this fear effectively, implementing measures beyond the protections of the Good Samaritan law is crucial.

However, curbing hit-and-run incidents requires proactive enforcement. Last January witnessed 51 fatalities due to unidentified vehicles, while this figure decreased to 47 this year. This reduction was achieved through the combined efforts of traffic and local police, focusing on hotspots and increasing patrols in those areas.

Data shows that 518 individuals lost their lives in 511 fatal accidents up to May 15 this year, with projections surpassing 700 by August 15. Despite the expected increase, police claim the numbers remain lower than the previous year, where 552 fatalities were recorded in 544 collisions.During the period between January and May of 2023, certain roads in the national capital, including Ring Road, National Highway (NH) 24, NH 8, Rohtak Road, GTK Road, and Mathura Road, have been identified as the top 10 locations where a high number of fatal accidents have occurred this year. Previously, cases of hit-and-run incidents were prosecuted under IPC Section 304A, which carried a maximum penalty of two years of imprisonment. With the introduction of Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita Section 106(2), the maximum jail term has now been increased to 10 years. However, there seems to be a lack of awareness regarding this change, possibly leading to a lack of deterrence.