BANGALORE: Soon wearing seat belts might become compulsory for Bangaloreans. ACP Pasha from Bangalore Traffic Management Centre, informs, “As of now wearing seat belts in the city is optional, however, we are trying make it mandatory like wearing helmets.”
Bangalore Traffic Police is observing ‘Road Safety Week’ from January 7. Wearing seat belts while driving will be the prime consideration in this seminar, among other things like over-speeding, drunken driving, driving without helmet, using mobile phones.
The unprecedented rise in four wheelers has brought a significant change in the city’s traffic. Hence, this calls for some stringent actions from the authorities as well as cooperation from the citizens.
Explaining on the emergency of seat belts, Pasha said, “Seat belts reduces the risk of fatal injury to 50 percent and appears to be a life saving tool, especially for the front seat passenger, who can hit the dash board anytime. Drivers at least has the control over the stirring so passengers sitting near the driver seat should always wear it. People lacks the knowledge, as to how it can save their life in many instances.”
When City Express encountered with some people with the idea of seat belts, reactions varied. Dheeraj, a businessman and resident of Bannerghatta road said, “We have not developed the culture of wearing seatbelts in the city. I have never been indulged in the habit of wearing it.” Rajeev Appaya, resident of SG Palya said, “It is not possible to wear seat belts in Bangalore traffic. Moreover, it is not comfortable.”
Educational methods on seat belts have not given specific results till now. Thus, this has led the authorities to think of an legal implementation status for seat belts. But will laws followed by strict penalties can bring out some change in the traditional way of driving and lessen the impact of accidents in the city as well?