New regulations for rear seat belt alarms
The road transport ministry has recently issued a draft notification, mandating the inclusion of a “rear seat belt alarm” in all cars manufactured from 1st April, 2025, onwards. This move follows earlier attempts to introduce additional safety features, including three-point rear seat belts and six airbags, which were proposed after the unfortunate incident involving former Tata Sons chairman Cyrus Mistry’s demise.
In the wake of Mistry’s accident, investigators highlighted the importance of wearing seat belts, as Mistry was found not wearing one at the time of the crash. However, the initial proposal for mandatory six airbags, along with other safety measures, did not come to fruition, resulting in the lapse of the entire notification.
The recent notification solely focuses on the implementation of a rear seat belt alarm, with no new provisions added. While the in-built seatbelt reminder for the driver and front passenger is already mandatory, this new requirement aims to enhance safety awareness among rear seat passengers.
Despite existing regulations stipulating fines for rear seat passengers not wearing seat belts, enforcement remains a challenge. Many individuals are either unaware of the rule or choose to disregard it. Additionally, instances of traffic police penalising non-compliant rear seat passengers are infrequent.
The introduction of the rear seat belt alarm underscores the ongoing efforts to prioritise passenger safety on the roads. By raising awareness and promoting compliance with seat belt usage, authorities aim to mitigate the risks associated with road accidents. This initiative aligns with broader initiatives aimed at enhancing road safety standards and reducing the occurrence of preventable accidents.
