Trivandrum: Mr. Dileep Kumar. KG, Motor Vehicle Inspector while creating awareness said children under the age of four should avoid riding alone in front of a scooter or without a safety belt. Even if the vehicle in front suddenly brakes, the baby’s head is more likely to hit first.
Remember that putting your own baby on top of the vehicle’s tank and flying does not even give you the care you give your own mobile phone. In cars, seat belts are mandatory for children over 14 years of age and for children under the age, depending on their body size, seat belt, or child restraint system.
Mandatory purchase of helmets for children and training to wear helmets and seat belts at an early age and make it a part of the character. Definitely avoid the very dangerous act of putting babies between their own body and the steering wheel.
Keep children in the back seat as much as possible, especially in the front seat. In the case of an inertia force, the parent’s weight is applied to the child’s body, which is worse than the baby’s going and hitting the wall of the vehicle in the event of an accident.
Be sure to use the child lock when there are children in the back seat. Strictly prohibit the right-hand door opening and exit when parked. It is advisable to practice the Dutch Reach method to open the door (left-hand opening method with right hand).
Do not leave children alone in the vehicle while riding in shops or other places. Make it a habit to turn off the engine and apply the handbrake when the vehicle is stopped, to prevent accidents caused by children unknowingly turning back on the accelerator and shifting the gear knob.
It is mandatory to remove the keys when getting out of the vehicle. Extreme care and attention should be taken when driving in the backyard and surroundings where children run.
Children should be discouraged from running around the vehicle and playing hide and seek. Do not encourage children under the age of 18 to drive or attempt to drive. It should be noted that the most severe penalties under current motor vehicle law are for minors to drive a vehicle.
With the addition of Section 199 (A) in 2019, juvenile driving will now be punishable by a fine of up to Rs 35,000 and up to three years imprisonment for the parent. In addition, the vehicle’s registration and parental license may be revoked. The child can apply for the license only after the age of 25. Teach them about the rules of the road and the dangers of childhood.
