Evoked by the number of accident cases in which young children are affected, the union government has proposed to make helmet and safety harness mandatory for children riding pillion on motor cycle, even if they are below the age of four. This comes as an extension of 2019 amendment to the rules which said individuals above the age of four should use helmets.

Notably, the data published by Ministry of Road Transport and Highways showed that 30,148 individuals succumbed to road accidents in the year 2019. In that, 15 percent of those who lost lives are individuals below the age of 18.  

Meanwhile, it is a common sight in the Indian roads that small kids riding pillion on motor cycle in a risk prone manner. Children are usually seated on the top of fuel tank or lap of the person. It is important to note that in most foreign countries rules ensure kids riding pillion have proper safety gears. Helmet, child seat and other allied precautions are ensured. Even bicycle riders are supposed to kit up with helmets and safety harness.

Commenting on the union government’s proposal, experts say that there is no doubt that helmets ensure safety for children. However, they also pinpoint that pros and cons of the measure should be studied before its implementation.

“We need to review how helmet for kids policy is being implemented in other countries. We need to evaluate benefit and drawback of it. A detailed study should be done,” said Dr MKC Nair, former director of Child Development Centre, Thiruvananthapuram.

At present helmets for kids above the age of three is available in market. Though it is not widely available in shops, one could buy it from online websites. It costs around Rs 400 to Rs 1000.

Similarly, head protectors for kids below the age of three is available in the market. They are made up of cloth and cushion. However, they will not provide safety provided by helmet. They are used as an aid to prevent head injuries of kids who are learning to walk.

Meanwhile, the Union Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has also said that a "safety harness shall be used for attaching the child to the driver of the motorcycle." This will ensure more safety. Earlier, handgrips were made mandatory in motorcycles to ensure the safety of pillion riders.