Do you think that there should be a law that
By sunrisekn
@sunrisekn (1466)
United States
December 12, 2006 5:30pm CST
states a person MUST stop if they come upon an accident? In South Carolina, we have a Good Samaritan Act,which states as long as you don't do anything malicious you can't be held liable for helping someone that's been in an accident. The local news has been talking about a new law that requires someone to stop. What are your thoughts?
1 person likes this
3 responses
@neilf49 (809)
•
19 Jan 07
What a wonderful topic and I think there are a few issues with this. Firstly I think that it is very sad that an Act has to be introduced to protect someone who is just trying to help. In this day and age of a litiguous society some people will be put off stopping and trying to help but how can people live with themselves if they are first on the scene and don't at least stop to protect the scene.
Secondly I think it is extrememly dangerous to introduce an Act to force people to stop. I would normally stop if I appear to be the first on the scene, however I always do a quick risk assessment of the area, where am I, who else is around, does it look like an accident? The reason? some people have been ambushed as they stop to help at bogus accidents.
I also think it can be dangerous because you could find people stopping to help who don't know what they are doing, have had no first aid training and could possibly do more damage by trying to help than by doing nothing. Some people don't necessarily have the confidence to stop and help.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
30 Jan 07
How can you really force someone to stop. But, I would hope that if (God forbid) something tragic happened to me or a loved one that someone would stop and assist.
@hockeygal4ever (10021)
• United States
12 Dec 06
No. First off there's nothing that can police this. Second off if every person who happens along has to stop you would create more of a mess than first started. And, until people quit being sue happy I for one will avoid touching anyone or anything that they can sue me for!
@sunrisekn (1466)
• United States
13 Dec 06
This has come up because a missing couple's car was spotted in a swampy area and someone called it in but didn't stop. He came upon the accident right after it happened and the people drowned in their car. So, everyone is up in arms about the 911 call and the person not stopping. Thanks for your response!
1 person likes this
@Starlady0_1 (586)
• United States
23 Jan 07
I'm honestly not sure if this is a law here in Florida or not but I think I do recall that Florida has this law stating that if an accident happens you are obligated to stop and render assistance.