The state transport department of Sikkim has made it mandatory for people to wear seat belts while traveling in light motor vehicles (LMVs) across the Himalayan state.
According to the data of 2021 available with the Union ministry of road transport and highways, the fatality rate — number of road accident fatalities (persons killed) per 10,000 vehicles — was highest in Sikkim (8.7), more than double the national average (4.0).
In a notification issued by Raj Yadav, secretary of the department on Wednesday, the rule will come into effect from June 1.
“For people traveling in LMVs in Sikkim, whether it is a commercial, private or government vehicle, it will be mandatory to wear seat belts from June 1. Anybody violating the rule will have to face legal constituencies under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988,” said a source.
The decision, sources said, has been made to reduce the impact of accidents in the hill state.
In the notification, Yadav has also said that from the same date (June 1), it will be compulsory for bike riders — those riding the bike or pillion-riders — to wear helmets that meet stipulated safety standards.
“The idea is to mitigate the risk of accidents and to ensure peoples’ safety. Safe practices like wearing seat belts and helmets will reduce the chances or severity of injuries in case of a collision or a sudden stop,” the source added.
