Safety harness must for kids travelling on two-wheelers

BENGALURU: The number of accidents involving two-wheelers is increasing by the day in the state. The government and Transport department are taking several precautionary measures to ensure the safety of vehicle occupants.

Recently, the Transport Department has decided to take action against two-wheeler riders who carry children under 4 years of age without proper safety measures. If children below 4 years are riding pillion or sitting in front without a safety harness, the Transport department will impose fines on the rider and register a case.

Parents who don’t secure their children with safety belts will face a fine of Rs 1,000. Additional Commissioner for Transport department, Mallikarjun, said that as per the Central Motor Vehicles Act, 2019, it is mandatory for children traveling on two-wheelers to wear safety harnesses. The transport department has created awareness about this rule in all district centers and RTOs.

Earliertoo, this rule had been in place, but wasn’t effectively implemented. Following Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in the High Court, the central government has instructed all states to effectively implement the rule.

Both the police and transport departments have the responsibility of checking  two-wheelers.  Parents should also be cautious while riding with children, especially while applying brakes on slopes and potholes as children may fall off and get injured or even crushed by vehicles from behind. This safety measure will help prevent such accidents.