We have safety norms for two-wheelers in the form of compulsory helmets for riders and pillions. Cars at present have quite a few safety features required under the law. Wearing seat belts for front and rear passengers, fitment of compulsory airbags, seat-belt reminders, alert systems for speed beyond 80 kph, reverse parking sensors are some of the safety features in a car. However it is alarming that the government has not taken any cognisance of fitment of safety features on the three-wheelers. Many three wheelers carry school children, who are packed like sardines with their loaded school bags. A hit by a four wheeler is sufficient to make the three-wheeler roll over. Many three-wheelers which carry passengers even do not have doors. As wearing a seat belt is not mandatory for the rickshaw driver, they can lose control of the vehicle while taking a sharp turn at high speed. It is high time the government takes cognisance and cares for the safety of three-wheeler passengers. The three-wheeler should have more safety features which are made mandatory in its design.
