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Days after Cyrus Mistry’s death in car accident, govt proposes rear seat belt reminders in cars

The latest recommendation is an upgrade of the existing features that already mandate a seat belt reminder for the front seat passengers (driver and the co-driver) in a car. The amendment proposes that there would be a three-level warning system if any of the occupants is not wearing a the seatbelt.

ET Now Digital

Updated Sep 21, 2022, 07:09 IST

New Delhi: A fortnight after former Tata Sons chairman Cyrus Mistry was killed in a car accident in Mumbai, the road transport ministry has introduced draft standards for rear seatbelt reminders, which would be a mandatory feature in all new cars in the next six months.

According to the proposed standard, the audio seatbelt reminder will alert the driver and the travellers in the car if any passenger removes the safety-belt buckle later. An amendment to this effect has been proposed in the Automotive Industry Standard (AIS) pertaining to additional safety features for these vehicles.

The latest recommendation is an upgrade of the existing features that already mandate a seat belt reminder for the front seat passengers (driver and the co-driver). The amendment proposes that there would be a three-level warning system if the seatbelt is not worn by any of the occupants.

Three-level warning system

The ‘first-level warning’ would be a visual one which would get activated as soon as the ignition switch is engaged by the driver. A visual telling about occupants not wearing seatbelt will be displayed on the console. Additionally, audio can also be added as an option.

The ‘second-level warning’ will be both visual and audible as soon as the driver starts the vehicle, if any of the occupants is not wearing the seatbelt. The third-level of warning will come if any of the passengers unbuckles the seat-belt.

The road transport ministry has sought comments on this draft amendment till October 5.

Meanwhile, the untimely and tragic demise of Mistry in a car crash earlier this month has shifted the much-needed focus on road safety along with renewing a push towards passenger safety in cars.

The latest amendment suggested by the transport ministry covers motor vehicles used for the carriage of passengers, comprising not more than eight seats in addition to the driver's seat. These are categorised as M1 vehicles by the ministry.

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