Understanding Seatbelt Types: Safety Features Explained :
The seatbelt is a safety device designed for vehicles; in India, more than three-wheelers have seatbelts. There are different types of seatbelts in vehicles, like fixed belts, lap belts, retractable belts, and three points; the primary purpose of a seatbelt is to prevent an accident injury. However, in India, the use of a seatbelt is a different mindset. How??
India’s population currently exceeds 1.4 billion, and the vehicle population has grown significantly in the last 20 years, leading to an increase in accident rates due to various road factors and death. Seatbelts are also a cause of injury and death.
The Consequences of Neglecting Seatbelt Safety :
Currently, Indian drivers are wearing seatbelts partially or just because of fear, penalty, and enforcement. Not because of the importance of seatbelts to prevent injury. Unfortunately, drivers and co passenger, whether front or rear seat, do not use seatbelts, as it is mandatory for all passengers, including drivers. According to the report, 45% front seat passengers and 25% rear seat passengers die in road accidents due to not wearing seatbelts. Also Read – Slow or Speed Driving on Indian Road
Challenges in Enforcing Seatbelt Laws :
There is still a lack of awareness leading to accident, injury, and death; many do not understand the motion of inertia (Newton’s first law).In India, there is the Motors Vehicle Act, which imposes fines of Rs 1000 to Rs 2000 for not wearing a seatbelt, but most drivers used seatbelts during the checking and saved from the penalty. Very few people are using seatbelts; those are truly aware and concerned about seatbelt safety.
The Role of Awareness in Preventing Road Injuries and Fatalities :
Sadly, the high profile of MNC Company and celebrities and the common man of India die due to head injury from not wearing the seatbelt is not a lesson learnt from past and present incidents and deaths. Still people are searching the “Jugaad “to stop the seatbelt alarm/alert, the fake seatbelt lock, which is easily available in a nearby shop, online or offline, which poses a significant life risk for bypassing the lifesaving device.
This practice also creates problems when claiming insurance after the incident and the SRS airbag didn’t work properly due to the fake lock or lack of seatbelt use.
In india, there are vehicle there is no seatbelt like as Three-wheeler,(E-Rickshaw/Auto-rickshaw)and Truck and Buses build after the OEM body builder, that lack the Co Driver or passenger seatbelts.
This is a lope-hole, where people ask the question why vehicles like the auto rickshaw, truck, bus, and the no-relationship with the road (the train) do not have the seatbelt, an argument against the enforcement agency for skipping from the penalty for the en-route violation not using the seatbelt while driving or seating.
India strictly imposed the seatbelt for all in laws, but the next day there could be a strike or protest against the law, “Kyu ki India me law banta hai todne ke liye.” This is the Indian people’s mindset and mentality toward the seat belt and the safety device.
Ask yourself:
- Are you using a seat belt on Indian roads?
- Do you check if all passengers are wearing seat belts before starting or moving?
- Are you using a fake device to stop seat belt alerts?
- Do you feel uncomfortable while wearing a seat belt?
- Do you wear a seat belt for fear or penalties?
- Or something else?
Follow safety; stay safe on the road.