Duties Of The Traffic Police When An Accident Occurs

A traffic police officer, on witnessing an accident or on receiving information about an accident must immediately:

• Stop the vehicle involved in the accident (the police officer must not be below the rank of a Sub Inspector)

• Take the injured person to the nearest doctor or hospital or call for an ambulance

• Note down the name and address of the driver, his/her license and the name and contact details of the owner of the vehicle. The police must also get the name and details of the person/s affected by the accident

If a person refuses to stop when asked to or give information as required he/she can be punished with imprisonment of up to three months or with fine or both.

A police officer can also inspect any vehicle which is involved in an accident, if the inspection is done at a reasonable time and only if the police officer proves his authority to do so. If the vehicle is moved to another place for inspection, it must be returned to the owner within 24 hours after completing the formalities.