HYDERABAD: Unlike helmet violation, seat belt violation cannot be identified without the vehicle being stopped and checked. In the case of helmets, CCTV cameras capture the images and e-challans are issued but this is not the case with seat belt. While checking this violation is a time-taking process, it is more difficult on the Outer Ring Road where two passengers, who did not wear seat belts, died while the drivers survived in two accidents that occurred recently.
On very rare occasions is seat belt violation captured by CCTV cameras and an e-challan issued. “This happens only at places where high-resolution cameras are installed. Even then, it needs a lot of work to identity the violation.” a senior traffic official said.
Earlier, when the helmet rule was imposed, a rider would wear it at the sight of a traffic policeman or checking and remove it once they pass the checking point. But with CCTV cameras in place which captures images round the clock, helmet rule violation has declined. “The same is the case with wearing seat belts. When he see a policeman on duty or a squad conducting checks, the driver wears the belt and loosens it once the vehicle passes the check point.” the official said.
Due to awareness, many drivers now have started wearing seat belts but the same cannot be said about drivers of cabs which are mostly hired by multi-national companies (MNCs). The sad part is that even the employees who hop into the cab do not ask the driver to wear the belt. As things stand, it will be futile to expect the passengers to wear belts.
Speaking about seat belt violations on the Outer Ring Road, assistant commissioner of police (traffic) K Prasad says that they have intensified checks for all violations on the expressway but then the checks take place at the toll plazas where drivers are always seen wearing seat belt. “Though we suggest that all passengers wear seat belts, they un-strap themselves once they cross the toll plaza which could be one reason for the casualties in accidents, “he observes.