Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru (MS)

Bengaluru, Sep 5: The government is considering making it mandatory for children between the ages of nine months and four years to wear safety harnesses while riding on two-wheelers. This harness would be attached to the body of the rider for added safety.

Although the union government has already made this rule mandatory, it has yet to be implemented in Karnataka. Sources from the transport department said that an awareness campaign on this matter has already begun.

Children riding on two-wheelers without a safety harness are at a higher risk of falling onto the road. Many riders seat their children on the petrol tanks of bikes or allow them to stand on the footrest area. In such situations, children may lose their balance and fall, especially during sudden braking.

In some cases, children may even fall asleep while riding. Many riders hold their babies with one hand and operate the vehicle with the other, which further endangers the child’s safety. According to officials, a safety harness would offer significant protection for children in such situations.

Transport department officials across Karnataka are now working to raise awareness about the importance of safety harnesses. Some awareness programs are being conducted in district commissioner (DC) offices, and soon, all DC offices will hold similar events. Plans are also underway to extend awareness campaigns to educational institutions and police departments. Once these programs are complete, authorities are considering imposing fines on riders who violate the rule.