Experts seek stringent law to ensure child safety

KOCHI

: Welcoming the directive of Kerala state commission for protection of

child

rights (

KeSCPCR

) that kids aged below 13 should travel only in rear seats of vehicles, experts – including motor vehicles department (MVD) officials and doctors – have called for more awareness and severe punishment for violators.


“Dynamic, scientific studies conducted by various agencies show that children who travel in the front seat are more prone to fatal injuries than those using the rear seats during accidents. Safety airbags, inflated at a speed of more than 250kmph, can be fatal for children in the front seats as they are hit directly causing neck fracture and fatal head injuries,” said trauma care specialist at VPS Lakeshore Hospital Dr Arun Oommen.

Director of Indian Institute of Road Safety Upendra Narayan said it was high time the government made the directive a law. “In most accident cases, the victims are children just because of the irresponsibility and ignorance of their parents. During an awareness campaign at the newly-opened Kollam bypass last month, over 4,000 cars were found with children seated in the front. Some kids were even seated on driver’s lap,” he said.

Ernakulam regional transport office (enforcement) K Manoj Kumar said mere implementation and awareness will not bring a change unless there is strict penalty. “Most of them (motorists) know what they should do about child safety, yet, they are not ready to do it,” he said.

KeSCPCR member MP Antoni said amending the central motor vehicles rules may take time; hence the state government should intervene to enforce it. “The rule is decades old in other countries, but we are yet to formulate one. The government should be more concerned about precious lives of children. Isofix seat points should also be made mandatory for automakers,” he said.