J.R. Midha, J. (Oral):

1. India has dubious distinction of having worst record of road accidents. According to the latest Road Transport Ministry report, a total of 4,90,383 road accidents were reported in 2012 resulting in 1,38,258 deaths i.e. an average of one road accident every minute resulting in one death every 3.8 minutes which is highest in the world. Road accidents are a human tragedy which involves high human suffering and they impose huge socio-economic costs in terms of untimely deaths, injuries and loss of potential income. The ramifications of road accidents can be colossal and its negative impact is felt not only on individuals and their families but also on the economy. According to the report of World Health Organization, the road accidents constitute highest cause of death in the age group of 15 to 29 and third highest in the age group of 30 to 42. Consequently, road safety is an important issue of national concern.

2. The victims of the road accident are doubly unfortunate, first in getting involved in an accident and second, in not getting compensation. In developed countries, insurance companies, immediately, upon being notified of the accident, make t