SC Rules Sudden Braking on Highway Is Negligence
The Supreme Court has ruled that abruptly stopping a vehicle on a highway without warning amounts to negligence. The court stated that highways are meant for fast-moving traffic, and drivers must signal before applying brakes or pulling over. The judgment emphasizes that even personal emergencies do not justify endangering others on high-speed roads.
Case of Injured Biker Leads to Verdict
The ruling came in response to a 2017 accident in Tamil Nadu, where an engineering student, S. Mohammed Hakkim, lost his left leg. He was riding a bike when a car in front of him suddenly braked. As he fell, a bus following behind ran over his leg. The car driver claimed he stopped due to his pregnant wife feeling unwell. The court rejected the excuse, calling the action negligent in the context of highway traffic.
Shared Liability and Compensation
The court assigned 50% of the fault to the car driver, 30% to the bus driver for not maintaining a safe distance, and 20% to the injured rider for tailgating and not holding a valid license. The total compensation was fixed at ₹91.39 lakh, with a 20% deduction for contributory negligence. The car and bus insurers were directed to pay the remaining amount.
Strong Warning on Highway Conduct
This judgment serves as a warning that sudden, unannounced stops on highways can lead to severe legal and financial consequences. The court reinforced the need for safe driving practices and personal responsibility on public roads.
