The Hindu Business Line : Kerala to make seat belts mandatory from August 1

Thiruvananthapuram, July 6 Wearing seat belts will be made compulsory for four-wheel drivers n the State from August 1 as part of an intensive campaign to ensure safe driving.

Over-speeding and negligent and drunken driving will invite hefty fines, according to the Home Minister, Mr Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, and the Transport Minister, Mr Mathew T. Thomas.

Use of mobile phones will be banned while driving vehicles, they told newspersons here. These decisions were taken at a meeting attended by the Home, Health, Transport and Education Ministers, the Chief Secretary and top officials of various departments on Wednesday, and took into account the recent spurt in road accidents.

The use of seatbelts is mandatory under provisions of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1989. The police will levy a fine ranging from Rs 100 to Rs 1,000 for over-speeding, negligent driving and using mobile phones. Criminal action will be taken against officials who fail to maintain road conditions.

Government action would not alone ensure implementation of the rules, the Ministers said. Public cooperation and awareness was also required. The Government will seek the cooperation of voluntary agencies and non-governmental organisations.

Death by accidents

The number of deaths due to road accidents is on the rise in the State. 3,054 persons died in road accidents in 2004, and the toll rose to 3,203 in 2005 and 3,589 in 2006.

A State-level coordination committee with the Chief Secretary as Chairperson, and Secretaries of the Health, Transport, Education and Public Works Department, Director-General of Police, Managing Director, Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), Chief Engineer (Roads) and Chief Engineer (PWD) as members will work for coordinating the functioning of various departments.

District-level coordination committees too will be formed.

The rules of the Kerala Road Safety Authority will be implemented. Steps have been taken to fill potholes on roads and work out road maintenance. The Education Department will form road safety clubs in schools for creating awareness among students. This will be progressively included in the curriculum too.

In order to provide medical aid to accident victims, the Health Department will identify hospitals near major roads with trauma care facilities. Many voluntary organisations, including the Lions Club, have come forward to provide ambulance services.

3,054 persons died in road accidents in the State in 2004, and the toll rose to 3,203 in 2005 and 3,589 in 2006.

More Stories on : Roadways | Policy | Accidents | Kerala

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Kerala to make seat belts mandatory from August 1