The use of seat belts for both front and rear seat belts is mandatory under Rule 138 (3) of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules. Not following the rule can attract a fine of Rs 1,000. However, in the majority parts of the country, including Goa, this rule is not followed by motorists, and even traffic police turn a blind eye. The government is also working on making seat belt alarms mandatory for rear seat passengers. It is pertinent to note that on many occasions children and even infants do travel in a car. Hence their safety is also of prime importance. All kids under 13 years of age should always ride in the back seat. If seated in the front seat then the seat must be pushed back as far as possible. If it is absolutely necessary to have children in the front then the air bags should be deactivated. Cars should have child safety seat which is a seat designed to protect children from injury in case of a collision. Cars carrying infants should have a sticker on the back of the car which says “Baby on Board”.
