According to a press report, the road transport ministry has proposed a new rule. This new rule will help save the lives of children traversing Indian streets as a pillion on a scooter or motorcycle. According to the draft rule, children between the age of 9 months and 4 years must compulsorily wear helmets and a safety harness. The draft rule also reveals that speeding over 40 kmph with a child pillion passenger between 9 months and 4 years will be considered a traffic rule violation. The government has proposed the new draft rule-keeping in mind the safety of children and minimising road accidents in India.
Crash Helmet and Safety Harness
While the adult rider and pillion must compulsorily wear crash helmets, the new rule also suggests that the child pillion also wear a crash helmet. Helmets have time and again proven to be helpful in unfortunate events and have saved countless lives. On the other hand, helmetless riding is still one of the significant causes of injury and death on Indian roads. When children are riding pillion, they are especially exposed to crash forces as their bodies can be thrown away from the motorcycle with force. Therefore a crash helmet plus a safety harness will help the child stay tethered to the rider may help save lives in a crash.
What is a Safety Harness
A safety harness will be an adjustable vest to be worn by the child. The vest will come with a pair of straps attached to the torso of the child. This will helo the child stay firm on the scooter or motorcycle since manufacturers design most bikes to carry two adults. According to the ministry, the safety harness should be durable, waterproof, and must be able to carry a weight of 30 kgs. The saddle must also have two large crossing-over loops passing between the legs of the child passenger, said the draft.
Currently, there is no data on deaths or injuries of children under 4 years as the government collates information presently in one under 18 age group.
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