Cyrus Mistry Death: 5 Points On Why Wearing Seatbelt On Rear Seat Is Important

Cyrus Mistry: The rear seat belt is mandatory, according to Motor Vehicles Act.

Preliminary investigations have revealed that former Tata Sons Chairman Cyrus Mistry, who died in a car accident on Sunday, was not wearing a seat belt. Mr Mistry was sitting in the back seat along with Jehangir Pandole.

Here are 5 points on importance of rear seat belts:

According to Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR), wearing seat belt is mandatory for a passenger sitting on the rear seat. According to Rule 138 (3) of CMVR, persons "seated in the front seat or the persons occupying front facing rear seats" must wear seat belts while the vehicle is in motion. The government has given a provision in the motor vehicles rules to impose a fine of Rs 1,000 for those violating the seat belt rule.
According to World Health Organisation (WHO), the use of rear seat belts can prevent fatality by 25 per cent, and also prevent excess injury or death for the front seat passenger.
Earlier this year, Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said that all seats in a car will be required to have a "three-point" or Y-shaped seat belt, including middle-rear seats.
The three-point belt has been chosen because in case of a collision, it spreads out the energy of the moving body over the chest, pelvis and shoulders.
Wearing a seat belt while sitting in the rear seat can help reduce the chances of a fatal injury considerably. In case of a collision, an unbuckled passenger will be pushed forward to collide with the front seat or even the dashboard.