India has the highest number of child deaths in road crashes. As of 2019, we lose more than 10000 youngsters below the age of 18 each year. That is around 30 deaths a day. Unfortunately, this number is increasing each year as the safety of children is often ignored. Especially child safety on two-wheelers.
Children, especially children up to the age of 15, are still in the phase of rapid growth. Their bones, organs, and even their brains haven’t developed fully by this age. Any road crash injury at this age can lead to a lifetime disability, if not something worse.
To address this issue, the Indian government released a notification to improve child safety on two-wheelers. In this article, we will take a look at these new government rules. I have also added some of my suggestions based on two-wheeler crash investigations in India.
What are the new rules for the safety of children on two-wheelers?
The Indian government amended Section 129 of the Motor Vehicle Act 2019 with the following rules:
- The minimum mandatory age for wearing head protection (helmets) has been brought down from the age of 4 years to just 9 months. Now, helmet usage is mandatory for every child above 9 months.
- Usage of a Safety Harness for all children up to the age of 4.
- Any motorbike that is carrying a child up to the age of 4 must travel at a maximum speed of 40 kmph.
The new rules have received a mixed reaction from two-wheeler riders across India. Some believe that the rules will improve child safety on two-wheelers. Others believe that these rules are an added nuisance.
Personally, I feel that the new rules are a positive step towards the safety of children on two-wheelers. However, the rules are not full-proof.
Are the new rules enough?
The new rules are a positive step in improving child safety on two-wheelers. The earlier child safety rules were above the age of 4 years. The new rules also consider infant safety.
However, each rule does have its shortcomings. Let us look at each rule in detail:
Making helmet usage mandatory for children above 9 months
On paper, this rule looks beneficial. However, there are some risks involved in making 9-month-old infants wear helmets. Infants of that age infants have weak necks that barely hold their own heads. The added weight of helmets may lead to some neck issues down the line. A helmet worn for longer durations can also affect skull growth.
Infant helmets need to be light, like bicycle helmets. The biggest problem here is that there no infant helmets in the market yet.
Usage of a Safety Harness for all children up to the age of 4
The image below shows what a safety harness looks like.
Looks safe, doesn’t it?
Safety harnesses are beneficial for children who are either not able to hold on to their parents or sit in one place. A safety harness will also prevent a child from falling accidentally due to a sudden jerk or sudden steering.
However, safety harnesses lose their benefits in a crash. In a crash, the child will be thrown together with the adult. The child will have the additional risk of getting crushed under the adult’s weight. In addition, there are no tests or standards for safety harnesses. How do you tell which harness is safe enough?
If safety harnesses are proven to be safe, the age limit should be increased to 10 years. Such devices are equally important for older children.
Any motorbike that is carrying a child up to the age of 4 must travel at a maximum speed of 40 kmph.
This rule baffled me. After reading the rule, I had two immediate questions:
- Why is the speed limit set at 40kmph? Why not lower? A crash at 40kmph is still dangerous for children. I have seen many crashes where even adult occupants have sustained serious at speeds as low as 20kmph.
- Why is a speed limit set only for children under 4 years old? Children of all age are vulnerable to crash injuries!
Overall, the declared rules declared feel arbitrary. I hope the government has data to back these rules.
However, just like any other road safety rule, implementation is the key. Does the police force have enough manpower to monitor all two-wheelers? I don’t think so.
However, this does not mean that you should not follow the rules. I believe in the Stoic Approach to Road Safety: Your family’s safety is always in your hands. The new government rules are a good first step for your child’s safety. Here are some more suggestions based on my crash investigation experience.
Additional steps for child safety on two-wheelers
- The most important step is to be a good role model for your child. Your child will not wear a helmet if you do not. Children learn from their parents.
- Do not take unnecessary risks while riding with your child. Practice Defensive Riding.
- The safety harness has its limitations. But, it is still safer than carrying a child in your arms or making the child sit on a petrol tank or stand in a scooty’s foot space.
- Take extra care for the child’s legs as the feet can stuck in the motorcycle spokes. Either fit a higher footrest for the child or have the child seated in such a way that the feet are away from the rear wheels.
- Do not let older children ride without your supervision if they do not have a valid license.
An important suggestion
Both the government rules and additional suggestions we saw are beneficial for your child’s safety.
However, to be honest I feel that younger children should not be taken on two-wheelers, if possible. Two-wheeler crashes are dangerous for children. If available, always take your child in a car. However, keep in mind that taking a child in a car without a child seat is just as risky as taking the child on a two-wheeler. If not a car, use a taxi or a bus. Even an autorickshaw is safer than a two-wheeler.
If you really have no option but a two-wheeler, make sure you take all possible precautions.
Older children can also be introduced to road safety rules discussed in this article. But, remember that you need to follow these rules yourself. Children look up to their elders for guidance.
If you found my suggestions useful, please go ahead and share this article with your family and friends. Our country needs more parents who are aware of road safety.
Last Updated on June 9, 2022 by RSG