Truck and dumper drivers across the country have initiated a strike in protest against the new ‘Hit and Run’ law introduced by the Central Government. The law stipulates that if a truck or dumper driver flees the scene after being involved in an accident, resulting in injuries or fatalities, they could face imprisonment for up to 10 years and a fine of Rs 7 lakh. The strike has led to road blockades in various locations, including Mumbai, Indore, Delhi-Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
The ‘Hit and Run’ law is a measure by the government to address the issue of drivers fleeing accident scenes. Previously, individuals accused of such offenses often obtained bail within a few days, and there was a provision for up to two years of imprisonment. The new law aims to impose stricter penalties to deter drivers from fleeing accident sites.
Truck drivers express strong opposition to the law, demanding its withdrawal. The strike has caused disruptions in various regions, impacting transportation and leading to long queues at petrol pumps. The protest is anticipated to last for three days, affecting fuel supply to petrol pumps.
In Greater Noida’s Ecotech 3 area, truck drivers blocked roads and parked their vehicles, expressing their discontent with the new law. Despite police intervention, the demonstration reflected the widespread dissatisfaction among truck drivers.
Similar protests were observed in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, causing long queues at petrol pumps. The strike has elicited significant attention and has led to traffic congestion in various areas. The agitation reflects the anger and concerns of truck and dumper drivers regarding the implications of the new legislation. The impact of the strike is not only local but has repercussions across multiple states, including Maharashtra and Rajasthan, where drivers have taken to the streets to voice their opposition to the law.