The
Road Transport and Safety Bill 2014 has laid a lot of emphasis on safety of
two-wheeler users both motorised as well as non-motorised. For two-wheeler
users, a new set of rules will become applicable soon. As in developed
countries, those on cycles will have to wear protective gear as well as don
reflector material and jackets. For motorised two-wheelers, daytime running
lights could become compulsory. Currently, only the high end motorcycles in
India have this feature.
For
bicyclists, the National Authority shall make regulations for protective gear
and visibility requirements including, but not limited to, types of helmets,
reflector material and jackets, recommended for affording protection to persons
on bicycles from death or injury in the event of accident. As for protective
gear and visibility requirements for motor cyclists, any person driving or
riding (otherwise than in side-cars) on motor cycles of any class without
wearing protective headgear or following any mandatory visibility requirements
as prescribed by the National Authority will be guilty of an offence under the
Motor Vehicles Act. This requirement will, however, not any follower of the
Sikh religion and while such person is wearing a turban.
The
National Authority will make regulations prescribing protective gear and
visibility requirements including types of helmets, daytime running lights,
reflectorising material, and reflector jackets, recommended as affording
protection to persons on or in motor cycles, or motor cycles of different
classes, from death or injury in the event of a collision. “Daytime Running
Lights” will include headlamps or lights switched on during the day in order to
increase visibility and conspicuousness of the vehicle.
Picture of a motorcycle
with Daytime Running Lights. File photo by Mohd Nasir. For representation
purpose only