New Delhi: Karnataka now is one step closer to being the first state to have its own Good Samaritan law with President Ram Nath Kovind giving his nod to the Karnataka Good Samaritan and Medical Professional Bill, 2016.

This bill will provide legal protection to people who come forward to help victims. It was introduced in the legislation because people were hesitant to come forward and help accident victims during the crucial time because they feared investigations and harassment by the police.

The crucial time for the victim being, one hour following the incident where the victim has a better chance at survival if rushed to a hospital.

With this new law, Karnataka government will provide financial benefits to good samaritans who come forward and help accident victims, they will also not have to make repeated attendances in courts or police stations. Furthermore, for mandatory attendances, all expenses will be taken by the government for which a Good Samaritan fund will be created. It is also mentioned that the Samaritan can immediately leave after the victim is admitted in a hospital.

Officials have mentioned the purpose of the law, as previously the public just used to witness the accident and take pictures rather than help the victims because they feared the harassment, but with the law, the public will be more proactive in helping the victims during the crucial first hour.

According to data, in 2016 there were a total of 4,80,652 accidents out of which 1,50,785 were killed and the following year there were a total of 5,01,423 accidents with 1,46,133 people being killed.