Indiana Law Gives Passengers Good Samaritan Responsibility In Car Crashes
By Alison Gonzalez
Published on April 14, 2008
Current laws already require drivers to stop and help injured victims. However, the new law requires drivers to be responsible to call for help when a person is trapped in a vehicle and unable to call for help themselves.
Drivers who shirk responsibility under the new law are subject to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
The bill, which was sponsored by Rep. Tim Neese and approved unanimously by lawmakers, was nicknamed the common sense law because it is said to be based on the fundamental principles of being a responsible citizen.
The law stems from an auto accident in 2005 in Noble County. A 17-year-old was found dead after his vehicle was discovered underwater in a pond. Two 15-year-old passengers left the scene without seeking help or even calling authorities.
The new law goes into effect this July.
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