The New Safety Rules for Children on Bikes

Posted on: Mar 30, 2022 | | Written by:

The New Safety Rules for Children on Bikes

Many Indian families rely on two-wheelers as their primary vehicle. It is not uncommon to see an entire family on a two-wheeler on the roads of the country. Kids of all ages, from babies to teenagers, ride pillion on bikes and scooters. While the younger ones are carried by a pillion parent, the older ones sit by themselves, either behind the rider or in front of him. The comprehensive bike insurance plans cover the riders and the pillion, but the safety of a child on a bike is always a concern. The scenes are quite horrific and many people have questioned the safety aspect of this practice. Keeping that in mind, the authorities have now made some significant changes which are sure to enhance the safety of all children riding as pillions on two-wheelers in India.

Safety rules for children driving two wheelers

1. Mandatory helmet:

The first, and perhaps the most important rule, is that every pillion needs a helmet. This also includes the kids who sit behind the adults on two-wheelers. If you have a kid riding with you, you need to ensure he or she has a proper, well-fitted helmet on. A helmet is a very important accessory to have and while many states in India do not mandate helmets for pillion riders, the new law will make it compulsory for kids everywhere to use a helmet when on a scooter or a bike. This will be a welcome change as many children get critically injured, and some even lose their lives, when they get involved in bike accidents. Prevent these incidents by getting the best helmet for your child, just like you get the best bike insurance plan.

Make sure you pick the perfect helmet for your little ones.Take a look at this helpful guide on Things to Look For in a Kids Bike Helmet.

2. Safety harness:

As per the latest ruling, a child needs to be secured with a safety harness when on a scooter or a bike. The harness needs to be connected to the adult two-wheeler rider and then strapped onto the child. The harness needs to be lightweight, flexible and made of nylon to ensure it doesn't tear or break under pressure. This is a very good and practical safety measure as often, during accidents, adults manage to put their feet down and gain control, while the kids slip off the two-wheelers. When strapped to the adult, the kid will always stay close and when gaining control, the adult can save the child from falling too. Also, young kids at times tend to fall asleep when the vehicle is moving. At such times, keeping them strapped to the adult rider proves to be a great idea, as he or she remains safely stationed on the seat even in the periods of dozing off.

Some safety harnesses are already available in the markets these days. However, with the new rules being implemented, these harnesses are expected to be sold on a larger scale and become more easily available to everyone that needs them.

3. Speed limit:

This is a major issue that the traffic police regularly have to deal with - overspeeding. Overspeeding is extremely dangerous. And since a two-wheeler is less stable than a four-wheeler, overspeeding is a larger threat among two-wheelers. Sadly, many people don't understand this and indulge in overspeeding, at times even with children sitting in the same vehicle. Taking cognizance of this and how dangerous it can be for the safety of kid pillion riders, the authorities have imposed the rule of a speed limit when riding with a child. If a small child is sitting on the scooter or the bike, you cannot go over a speed of 40 km/h. This is going to be a game-changer and definitely make it much safer for children who ride two-wheelers with their parents. Many innocent lives are lost because of reckless adult bike riders who Overspeed, even when they have a child as a passenger behind them on their bikes.

Importance of these rules:

Rules have always been unpopular, especially the traffic rules! But these are some rules that are very critical as they have the potential to save the tiny, innocent lives of our precious children.

Some of the most valid reasons why you should follow these rules are:

● Keeps your kids safe:

The kids are kept safe when you follow these traffic rules. Isn't that reason enough for you to ensure the rules are properly implemented?

● Sets proper examples:

When you follow the rules and make your kids wear their helmets, follow the speed limit and fasten the safety harness, your kids learn the right thing. They learn how important it is to follow the safety measures. When they grow up, they will also do the same and so this will be a very good lesson for them.

● Makes it safe for others:

The rules aren’t made for your safety alone. When you follow the rules and ride safely, the people around also benefit from that. Many times, innocent lives are lost because of someone else’s driving mistakes. Follow the rules and keep the roads and others safe.

Conclusion

These are good measures that have been brought in place by the authorities. However, we all have to wait and watch whether the bike owners actually follow these rules. As is a commonly known fact, Indians are very casual about traffic rules, but some rules, such as the child safety rules are important and need to be followed. If you have a child who you take along on your two-wheeler regularly, make sure you get a good bike insurance plan to keep him safe and also follow the aforementioned safety rules. Doing so will make you responsible and definitely enhance your family’s safety. Also, be a good citizen by following the traffic rules in general and making the roads safer for you and the other people around.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

Ready to ride your bike in India? Check out these lesser-known traffic rules first!

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