Patna: The Bihar government has stepped up efforts to promote responsible driving and bystander intervention, announcing a Rs. 25,000 reward for citizens who assist victims of road accidents under the Rah-Veer (Good Samaritan) scheme.
On Wednesday, the Bihar transport department and the state road safety council conducted the second day of a road safety training programme in Patna, attended by 224 vehicle drivers. The initiative aims to build awareness around safe driving practices while encouraging drivers to offer timely assistance to accident victims without fear of legal consequences.
Officials said the training placed special emphasis on the Good Samaritan provisions, which guarantee legal protection and public recognition for individuals who help injured persons at accident sites. Drivers were urged not to hesitate in emergencies, with authorities stressing that timely intervention can save lives.
Raj Kumar, Bihar’s transport secretary, said drivers often play a decisive role in emergencies as they are frequently the first to reach accident scenes. “Instead of stepping back, drivers should come forward to help. Courage and compassion can make someone a true ‘Rah-Veer’,” he said.
Kumar added that adherence to traffic rules—including wearing seat belts and helmets, avoiding mobile phone use while driving, and maintaining safe speeds—remains essential to reducing road accidents. “Our goal is to minimise fatalities and build a safer transport system through continuous training and awareness,” he said.
During the programme, participants were trained on traffic regulations, road signage, lane discipline, the dangers of overspeeding, and the risks of driving while fatigued. Officials reiterated that traffic rules are not merely punitive measures but essential safeguards for both drivers and pedestrians.
The transport department said similar training sessions would continue in the coming days, with auto-rickshaw drivers scheduled next, followed by bus and truck drivers and those associated with ride-hailing services such as Ola and Uber.
