Almora: It is often seen that people wear seat belts in plain areas, but ignore it while climbing in hilly areas. Many people have a misconception that seat belts should not be worn in the mountains, because in case of an accident, it will not save them from falling into a ditch. Almora’s RTO officer Anita Chand termed this notion wrong and said that use of seat belt is mandatory in both hilly and plain areas. He said that due to different speeds and winding roads in the mountains, the importance of seat belts increases even more.
Importance of seat belt in hilly areas
RTO Anita Chand, while talking to Local 18, explained that wearing seat belts is as important in the mountains as in the plains. Seat belts protect the driver and passengers from serious injuries in the event of an accident. Passengers may get shocks due to climbs, slopes, narrow paths and sharp turns in hilly routes. Wearing a seat belt protects against these shocks and the driver remains in control of the vehicle.
Confusion about seat belts
Anita Chand said that some people are under the illusion that wearing seat belts in the mountains will make it difficult to jump out of the car during an accident. But this notion is wrong. On hilly roads, there are often vehicles coming from the front or there is a sudden braking situation, in such a situation it is very important to wear seat belt. This not only helps the driver remain in control, but also protects life and property in case of an accident.
Checking campaign of transport department
Almora’s transport department has taken strict steps to increase awareness about the necessity of seat belts. RTO Anita Chand said that in 2024, 223 challans have been issued for not wearing seat belts and a fine of ₹ 1000 has been imposed in each case. Apart from this, the passengers or drivers who do not use seat belts are also counseled, in which they are explained in detail about the benefits of seat belts and its importance.
Seat belt awareness necessary in hilly areas
RTO believes that it is necessary to increase awareness about the necessity of seat belts in hilly areas. Use of seat belts is extremely important to ensure safe travel on mountain roads. Seat belts not only protect the passengers from accidents but also keep the driver in better balance and control.
Seat belt message for passengers and drivers
The message of the Transport Department of Almora is clear that whether it is a plain area or a hilly area, seat belt is mandatory for everyone. This small habit works to save life in major accidents. It is expected that this initiative will remove the confusion regarding the use of seat belts in hilly areas, and all passengers will be able to experience safe travel.
Tags: Almora News, Local18
FIRST PUBLISHED : November 9, 2024, 07:57 IST
