New Delhi: Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday announced Centre’s plan to introduce seatbelt alert for passengers on the rear seat, in a bid to enhance road safety measures.
The decision came after Tata Sons Cyrus Mistry passed away in a road accident on Sunday on the National Highway in Maharashtra’s Palghar district.
“After the death of Cyrus Mistry, today the government has taken a big decision for the safety of the backseat passengers. A seat belt is required for the back seat,” Nitin Gadkari said. Addressing a media event, he said, “Because of the death of Cyrus Mistry in a car accident, we have taken a decision that there will be a seatbelt beep system for the rear seats also in vehicles.”
Taking fines is not the motive but spreading awareness is, said Mr Gadkari on the compulsory use of seat belts for those sitting in the back. He said by 2024 the goal is to reduce the road fatalities by 50 per cent.
The minister declared a fine of minimum Rs 1000. Challan (punitive fine) for not having a seat belt will be allowed. The order will be implemented within 3 days, he added.
As per the regulations, airbags are mandatory for the front passenger and the driver in India. As of January 2022, the government has made it mandatory to install 6 airbags in each passenger car with a passenger limit of up to 8.