Starting mid-July, Karnataka’s Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) will enforce a new safety rule requiring children under four years old to wear a safety harness while riding on two-wheelers. Riders who fail to comply will face a penalty of Rs 500 for the first offense and Rs 1,000 for subsequent violations.
Awareness Campaigns and Penalties
Before the enforcement of penalties, RTOs will conduct awareness drives focusing on preschools and kindergartens. These campaigns aim to educate parents, school managements, and two-wheeler distributors about the importance of the new rule. The transport department plans to involve the department of school education in this initiative.
Importance of the Safety Rule
C Mallikarjuna, additional commissioner of the transport department, emphasized the rule’s significance for child safety. He cited common unsafe practices where children are often made to sit on the fuel tank, stand in the leg space, or sit behind the rider on bikes and scooters. There have been instances of children falling asleep on the fuel tank, posing severe risks.
“It is quite common to see parents or guardians carrying children on bikes or scooters. Kids are often made to sit either on the fuel tank or are allowed to stand in the leg space [footrest for the front rider] of a scooter. Sometimes, a child is even made to sit behind the rider. Considering these aspects, safety harness has been made mandatory,” Mallikarjuna said.
Cost and Implementation
The cost of harness belts ranges from Rs 400 to Rs 2,200, depending on the size and quality. The transport department’s primary focus is on educating parents about the new rule and the importance of using safety harnesses for children.
“There is a need to create awareness about the rules. RTOs have been asked to visit schools in their jurisdiction and educate parents when they come to drop off their children,” Mallikarjuna added.
