akshayxyz Posted April 16, 2013 Posted April 16, 2013 Once some middle aged guy ran his scooter into my car. I stopped on the side, helped him get up - park on the side...talked to him for 5-10 mintues, to make sure he is fine.. offered him to take to the nearest first-aid. Guess what. He was all fine, and started demanding for damage to his scooter!!! At that point of time I had no choice but to show the other side "do whatever you want, if you want medical help I am here, else fkoff". That is just one of the example, I have had some +ive ones too. But based on the various stories we hear, its not completely wrong to be skeptical to start with and take time to act. And unfortunately, more often than not - that "take time to think" snaps us back into the mode of "let me mind my own business". Since its natural tendency to fear the worst (for oneself) first.
someone Posted April 17, 2013 Posted April 17, 2013 Where people are scared to help is when it happens in isolation Ever heard of bystander effect? Basically, when there are a lot of people, an individual is less likely to help anybody in need. The reasoning is because they believe someone else in that crowded environment will help them instead. But then as it turns out, everybody starts to thinks like that and thus the needy people simply fails to get any help. So, a more isolated environment might actually get people to help each other as they feel more obligated. In this case, we may have noticed something similar. Although, of course every country such as India has its own unique reasons like the fear of police as mentioned and that cannot be underestimated.
Crookbond Posted April 17, 2013 Posted April 17, 2013 Ever heard of bystander effect? Basically' date= when there are a lot of people, an individual is less likely to help anybody in need. The reasoning is because they believe someone else in that crowded environment will help them instead. But then as it turns out, everybody starts to thinks like that and thus the needy people simply fails to get any help. So, a more isolated environment might actually get people to help each other as they feel more obligated. In this case, we may have noticed something similar. Although, of course every country such as India has its own unique reasons like the fear of police as mentioned and that cannot be underestimated. Thanks.
Mariyam Posted April 17, 2013 Posted April 17, 2013 I don't think any generalization can hold in such cases. We've had cases of massive indifference, but we've also had many cases where of vigilante/mob justice where mobs beat up (within inches of their lives)the erring driver; who may not have even necessarily been at fault, and turn him/her over to the cops, and admit the hurt to hospitals.
Mariyam Posted April 17, 2013 Posted April 17, 2013 Came across this recently. Caution: Video is very graphic. Aurangabad NCP leader's minor son ran over 2 young girls and their uncle. Instantly killing the younger one. He has been apprehended by the Police, who had to save him and his driver who was sitting beside him from an irate mob. http://www.rediff.com/news/slide-show/slide-show-1-ncp-leaders-son-arrested-for-running-over-girl/20130417.htm Real shame this.
akshayxyz Posted April 17, 2013 Posted April 17, 2013 I don't think any generalization can hold in such cases. We've had cases of massive indifference' date=' but we've also had many cases where of [b']vigilante/mob justice where mobs beat up (within inches of their lives)the erring driver; who may not have even necessarily been at fault, and turn him/her over to the cops, and admit the hurt to hospitals. ++ That's another reason why many drivers in India chose to run away from the scene. Heard quite a few stories like that. And as you said, any generalization can't hold - and people's behavior/reactions depends on lots of factors.
beetle Posted April 19, 2013 Posted April 19, 2013 People watch too many movies and TV where a person helping out is victimized - it does happen but is very rare, specially when an accident happens with hundreds of witnesses in broad daylight. Where people are scared to help is when it happens in isolation and the police attitude to look for a scapegoat is the major problem there - agree with you on that point. The vast majority of people are good, caring, and helping individuals - they get scared by some rare horror stories and make the decision not to do anything with what happened if they are in doubt if their story can be backed up. I know about two service officers who were harassed by the police for helping out accident victims(separate cases) Both these cases were in public places. In one case they tried to blame him because they couldn't find the offender.In the second case they tried to put the blame on him to extort money. They even tried to use the old dent marks on his car to blame him . The rules have changed now and the police is expected to not harass the person who helps but I don't know how much has changed on the ground. As for hospitals...they are by law expected to treat the patient even without the police .
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