Some may think that accident investigations are a matter of only justice and retribution. Yes, it’s is important that a proper legal process is in place to prosecute and punish the erring, rash and negligent drivers and to discourage others from making the same mistakes. Others think that investigations are needed more from the point of view of compensation for the victims and their families apart from insurance and medical claims. That is also partly true as lives fall apart, especially financially, after an accidental death or injury.
Consider this fact! The number of people that die each year in road accidents in India is more than four times the number of people murdered. Still, everyone from the police to the judiciary to administration to media takes murders much more seriously than road accident deaths. While a senior officer of the rank of inspector investigates the cases of murder, much more junior head constables investigate accident cases. Accident cases are hardly a priority in the already overburdened courts, and media would much rather cover sensational murder cases than an accident.
However accident investigation, if taken seriously, not only helps punish the culprit drivers but also comes up with the reasons behind the accidents. Blaming the drivers and prosecuting them is the easiest thing to do. However, it is equally important to figure out the other factors responsible for the accidents – inefficiencies of traffic police, municipal authorities, private entities and organizations with activities like encroaching etc.
A thorough investigation in cases of accidents will come up with the other inherent reasons behind them, and through both punitive and administrative actions, the responsible parties can be held accountable. This will help in reducing other such instances of irresponsibility, inefficiency, and impropriety. This will help reduce further cases of casualties, hopefully by a substantial percentage.
However accident investigation, if taken seriously, not only helps punish the culprit drivers but also comes up with the reasons behind the accidents. Blaming the drivers and prosecuting them is the easiest thing to do. However, it is equally important to figure out the other factors responsible for the accidents – inefficiencies of traffic police, municipal authorities, private entities and organizations with activities like encroaching etc.
A thorough investigation in cases of accidents will come up with the other inherent reasons behind them, and through both punitive and administrative actions, the responsible parties can be held accountable. This will help in reducing other such instances of irresponsibility, inefficiency, and impropriety. This will help reduce further cases of casualties, hopefully by a substantial percentage.
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