Mangaluru: In a bid to enhance road safety, Mangaluru City Police will now closely monitor two-wheeler riders carrying children under the age of four without proper safety gear. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime & Traffic), K Ravi Shankar, stated that failing to use child safety harnesses on two-wheelers is a clear violation of the Motor Vehicles Act.
“In line with the Supreme Court’s directive, it is mandatory for riders to secure children below four years using certified safety harnesses. Additionally, both rider and pillion must wear ISI-marked helmets,” he said. The DCP stressed that these safety measures are non-negotiable and urged the public to strictly comply with the rules.
He also pointed out that seatbelt use is compulsory for all occupants in a car, including those in the rear seats. Rather than stopping vehicles manually, authorities will now rely on AI-powered surveillance cameras to identify and fine offenders automatically.
Mangaluru City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy revealed a worrying statistic—75 people have died in road mishaps within city limits this year. A staggering 70 of these deaths were attributed to reckless or negligent driving, with the majority being youth under 30.
He also highlighted the serious consequences of drunk driving, referring to a recent tragic accident in which two individuals, including NSUI district vice-president Omshree Poojary, lost their lives. The intoxicated driver responsible was charged under Sections 185 and 183 of the MV Act, facing fines up to ₹10,000.