People who rescue road accident victims and take them to hospital will be protected from criminal and civil cases under the proposed Road Safety Act 2026, even if the injured person dies.
The draft law proposes legal protection for anyone who, acting in good faith and on humanitarian grounds, rescues an injured person, provides first aid or takes them to a healthcare facility. Such rescuers cannot be held liable solely for accident-related injury or death resulting from their assistance, according to the draft.
The proposed protection aims to encourage public participation in rescue operations and prevent delays in emergency medical care.
The first hour after an accident, commonly known as the “golden hour”, is considered critical for saving lives. Receiving necessary treatment during this period can significantly reduce the risk of death and serious physical harm. However, fear of police harassment, legal proceedings and court appearances often discourages people from taking injured victims to hospital, delaying treatment and worsening their condition.
To address the problem, the draft legislation emphasises legal protection for rescuers, emergency medical services at hospitals and the establishment of a rapid response system.
It proposes forming community-based volunteer and ambulance teams capable of reaching accident sites within 30 minutes of receiving information. Hospitals would also be required to provide emergency first aid, ensure treatment within the golden hour and transfer victims to appropriate medical facilities when necessary.
Currently, Section 62 of the Road Transport Act 2018 provides for the introduction of a nationwide toll-free telephone number. It also requires the driver, conductor or representative of a vehicle involved in an accident to inform the nearest police station and promptly take injured people to hospital.
Failure to comply with the provision carries a maximum penalty of one month’s imprisonment, a fine of Tk20,000, or both.
Beyond post-accident emergency care, the draft Road Safety Act 2026 focuses on preventing accidents and developing safer road infrastructure.
It proposes introducing safety standards for road design, construction and management. Individuals or organisations held responsible for accidents caused by faulty designs or unsafe infrastructure could face up to two years’ imprisonment or a fine of Tk1 lakh.
The draft also prioritises pedestrian safety through the construction of footpaths, safe crossing facilities and other necessary infrastructure.
It proposes making helmets compulsory for both motorcycle riders and pillion passengers, introducing separate safety regulations for transporting children and establishing dedicated lanes for cyclists.
Additionally, the proposed legislation includes measures to make roads and public transport more accessible to women, children, older people and persons with disabilities.
