Lot is written about the two-wheelers and wearing helmets on the road while riding, but little is being brought to the notice of the four-wheeler drivers wearing a seat-belt whilst driving. Most of us must be strapping ourselves as soon as we take our seats in our vehicle, but most may be just bothered to do so.
Is driving without wearing seat-belt not compulsory on Goan roads? For whenever I drive along I fail to notice any driver of a private car, taxi, tourist vehicle, truck or bus driver wearing a seat belt.
Many a times, if I hire a taxi, and question the driver as to why he does not wear a seat-belt, his immediate response will be in Konkani, Amkam somvoi assa – we are used to it — and when they try to reach the city area or where they feel policemen will be around, immediately they put their belts and then later remove it.
“Wear your seat-belts” is the most popular message that make rounds on the public media and that too with a reason. Well, just to educate, below reasons are as to why the seat-belt is a must.
Whether you are driving on village roads or main highways, your seat-belt can save your life in the event of an accident. This holds true for both the drivers and passengers alike.
There are many ways in which seat-belts are helpful. It keeps the occupants of the vehicle inside the vehicle of being flung out by the impact of a crash. It spreads out the force from a collision over a wide area of the body, thereby putting less stress on any one particular part, helping to avoid serious injury.
The shoulder strap helps keep your head and upper body away from the dashboard, steering wheel, and other hard interior parts of the automobile should you stop suddenly or be hit by another vehicle from behind.
Wearing a seat-belt protects your brain and spinal cord from deadly and life-altering injuries.
So, adjust your seat-belt correctly. Getting the right fit is as important as wearing it. The strap that goes across your lap should fit snugly over your hips and upper thigh area. Shoulder belts should rest securely across your chest and shoulders.
I am sure the first thing that’s being taught by our driving instructors when we go to obtain our driving licence, when we go for training is to put your seat-belt as soon as you seat on the driver’s seat. It hardly takes a second or so.
Hope we will abide by the international rules in wearing seat-belts while driving on our roads, for doing so the seat-belt will be your constant and trusted driving companion.
