Centre Proposes New Guidelines for Disabled Road Accident Victims
The central government has issued a draft Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to improve care for road accident victims who sustain disabilities. The guidelines mandate disability-friendly ambulances, priority evacuation, accessible public transport, and comprehensive rehabilitation. A key proposal involves integrating accident reporting databases with the Unique Disability ID (UDID) system to streamline compensation claims. Formulated in compliance with a Supreme Court directive, the SOP aims to create a framework for immediate medical response and long-term social integration for victims.
Unpacked:
Integrating accident databases with the UDID system streamlines compensation claims for victims by enabling quick verification of disability status and preventing fraud. It ensures that eligible accident victims receive timely and accurate support, while also enhancing data-driven decision-making for government agencies overseeing disability services and road safety initiatives.
Road crashes disproportionately affect India’s poor. Over 40% of rural households reported a death after a crash, and low-income or rural victims are twice as likely to suffer disabilities. The resulting income loss is sharper among low-income rural families, with women often taking on added caregiving burdens, intensifying financial and gender inequalities.
The SOP proposes post-trauma care including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, vocational training, and psychological counseling. Victims will receive assistive devices like prosthetics, wheelchairs, and hearing aids through government schemes. The guidelines also emphasize linking trauma centers to specialized disability institutes for better rehabilitation outcomes.
The Supreme Court issued directives following concerns about inadequate emergency response and long-term care for road accident victims, especially those with disabilities. The aim was to ensure prompt medical attention, effective rehabilitation, and streamlined compensation, addressing gaps in India’s existing road safety and disability support systems.