THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Helmets have been made mandatory on two-wheelers for children above the age of four. Along with this, seat belts have also been made mandatory for children in cars. The transport commissioner suggests that children should have separate seats at the rear. Children up to the age of 14 years will need to be seated on Child Booster Cushion with the safety belt buckled. This is mandatory for children who are up to 135 cm tall. At the same time, children between the ages of 1 and 4 years should have a separate baby/kids car safety seat attached to the rear seat.
Child safety in cars:
1. Children below 4 years : mandatory child restraint system to be in place. This also has to be done in the rear seat of the car. Infants have a different child restraint system. Age appropriate CRS to be used.
2. Children above 4 years and upto 14 years AND below 135 cm height (4 feet, 5 inches height) to be seated on Child Booster Cushion with safety belt buckled. This is to be done in the rear seat only.
3. Whether to use a child restraint system (child seat) or child booster cushion seat depends upon the fitting size and height of the child vis-a-vis the seat belt anchorage points. Age of the child is just a thumb rule. Driver must be prudent in ensuring the use of appropriate safety mechanism.
Child safety on two wheelers:
1. For two wheelers, child helmet is mandatory for kids over 4 years of age.
2. A safety belt harness belt tying the child to the rider, (preferably parent) is not mandatory but recommended. Many children tend to fall asleep while riding with their parents.
Campaigns and warnings about the new regulations will be issued in October and November. The motor vehicle department has announced that it will start imposing fines for violations of these regulations from December onwards.