The incidence of children, travelling on two wheelers with their parents, getting involved in accidents is increasing. A day ago, a 11-year old was killed when a tipper rammed into the scooter that was being driven by his mother. In another case, a child was killed when she fell on the road after the scooter in which she was travelling met with an accident.
Parents who travel with children without taking adequate precautions need to understand that by doing so they are denying the rights of the child.
According to the central transport ministry, in 2014, 4,89,400 accidents were reported in the nation. In these accidents about 1,37,672 people were killed and 4,93,474 people were injured. Of those who lost their lives, about 50,000 were below 20 years of age. About 53 per cent of those who get involved in accidents are between 15 and five years.
The Supreme Court had ruled on August 18 that helmets are mandatory for two-wheeler drivers and had rejected many appeals against the ruling. Section 128 of the Motor Vehicles rule deals with safety of two-wheeler drivers. It says that a pillion should be allowed on a two wheeler only if he or she can be accommodated safely. The rule says that rear-seat passengers need to wear helmets, especially if they are kids.
Safe travel is the right of each child. While the laws in our land focus on the safe travel of children, the UN convention of 1989 also backs this sentiment. During the Hague convention in 1996, it was specified that safe travel of children is the responsibility of parents.
We need to ensure that children who travel to schools are doing it safely. Those who drive the vehicle need to ensure that children who are riding pillion are wearing helmets. According to section 138 (6) of the Motor Vehicles Law, children under 12 years of age must not be carried on a two wheeler unless all necessary safety precautions are taken. This norm is to be made compulsory from April 1, 2016 and is applicable to all M 1 vehicles manufactured after October 1, 2014. Schools are responsible in ensuring that children are transported in vehicles that adhere to all safety norms.
The public and the media need to ensure that laws on road safety are adhered to without fail. Any violations have to be brought to the notice of the courts.