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The Supreme Court's recent verdict concerning sudden braking on highways establishes a critical precedent for determining liability in road accident cases. The court unequivocally stated that a driver who abruptly halts their vehicle on a highway without providing adequate warning to other road users can be deemed negligent and held responsible for any resulting accidents. This ruling addresses a common yet often overlooked cause of highway accidents, where a momentary lapse in judgment or an unexpected event leads a driver to slam on the brakes, creating a chain reaction of collisions. The decision highlights the importance of responsible driving practices and the need for drivers to anticipate potential hazards while maintaining a safe distance from vehicles ahead. The case underscores the high speeds characteristic of highway driving and the inherent dangers associated with sudden, unexpected stops. A warning or signal becomes paramount in alerting drivers behind, providing them with sufficient time to react and avoid a collision. The absence of such a warning significantly increases the risk of accidents, making the act of sudden braking without signaling a clear act of negligence. The court’s observation reflects a pragmatic understanding of the dynamics of highway traffic, acknowledging the shared responsibility of all drivers to ensure the safety of themselves and others. The specific case that prompted this ruling involved S Mohammed Hakim, an engineering student who suffered a severe leg injury requiring amputation after a motorcycle accident on a Coimbatore highway. Hakim's motorcycle collided with the rear of a car that had unexpectedly stopped, causing him to fall onto the road and be run over by a bus. The car driver attributed the sudden stop to his pregnant wife experiencing a vomiting sensation. However, the court rejected this explanation as unreasonable, emphasizing that personal emergencies do not justify endangering other road users on a highway. This rejection highlights the court's firm stance against reckless driving behavior, even when driven by seemingly mitigating circumstances. The court's decision also delves into the concept of contributory negligence, acknowledging that Hakim also bore some responsibility for the accident. The court determined that Hakim was 20% liable for not maintaining a safe following distance and for driving without a valid license. However, the court emphasized that the primary cause of the accident was the car driver's sudden braking, assigning 50% of the liability to him. The remaining 30% was assigned to the bus driver, who also contributed to the accident. This allocation of liability demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the complexities of road accidents, recognizing that multiple factors can contribute to a single incident. The court's decision to apportion liability among the involved parties reflects a commitment to fairness and justice, ensuring that each party is held accountable for their respective contributions to the accident. The court's decision also involved a significant monetary award for Hakim. The court computed the total amount of compensation as ₹1.14 crore, but reduced it by 20% due to Hakim's contributory negligence. This adjusted amount was to be paid to him by the insurance companies of both the car and the bus within four weeks. This financial remedy provides some measure of relief for Hakim's severe injuries and the significant life changes he has had to endure as a result of the accident. The case also highlights the discrepancies in the initial rulings by the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal and the Madras High Court. The Tribunal had initially exonerated the car driver, assigning negligence to Hakim and the bus driver. The Madras High Court later overturned this decision, holding the car driver and bus driver partially liable while also assigning a portion of the blame to Hakim. The Supreme Court's final verdict provides a definitive resolution to the case, clarifying the responsibilities of each party involved and setting a crucial precedent for future similar cases. The Supreme Court ruling is poised to have a wide-ranging impact on road safety regulations and driving behavior in India. The decision serves as a strong deterrent against reckless driving practices, particularly sudden braking on highways without warning. It underscores the importance of responsible driving and the need for drivers to prioritize the safety of themselves and others. The ruling also provides a clearer framework for determining liability in road accident cases, especially those involving sudden braking. This clarity will likely lead to more consistent and equitable outcomes in similar cases in the future. The decision is expected to prompt a reevaluation of driver education programs and road safety campaigns. Emphasis should be placed on educating drivers about the dangers of sudden braking and the importance of signaling intentions to other road users. The implementation of stricter enforcement measures against reckless driving behavior is also crucial. This could include increased penalties for sudden braking without warning and other traffic violations that contribute to road accidents. Furthermore, the ruling may encourage the adoption of advanced safety technologies in vehicles, such as automatic emergency braking systems, which can help prevent or mitigate the severity of collisions. These technologies can assist drivers in avoiding accidents, particularly in situations where sudden braking is necessary. The Supreme Court's verdict also serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining adequate insurance coverage. The insurance companies of the car and the bus were ordered to pay the compensation to Hakim, highlighting the crucial role that insurance plays in providing financial relief to victims of road accidents. Drivers should ensure that they have adequate insurance coverage to protect themselves and others in the event of an accident. Finally, the ruling highlights the need for continuous improvement in road infrastructure and traffic management systems. Well-maintained roads, clear signage, and effective traffic control measures can help reduce the risk of accidents and improve overall road safety. Investments in road infrastructure and traffic management are essential to creating a safer driving environment for all road users. In conclusion, the Supreme Court's ruling on sudden braking on highways is a landmark decision that will have a significant impact on road safety in India. The decision establishes a clear precedent for determining liability in road accident cases, underscores the importance of responsible driving practices, and provides a framework for improving road safety regulations and infrastructure. By holding drivers accountable for their actions and promoting a culture of responsible driving, the court's verdict can help reduce the number of road accidents and save lives.
Source: Sudden braking on Highway is negligence, says Supreme Court