WHEN citizens act in an irresponsible manner, the government has to step in and make laws to protect them from themselves. One such recent example would be the mandatory wearing of seat belts for the front-seat users of all cars. The rule says quite clearly that it is mandatory that the driver and the passenger seated in the front seat wear seat belts while the vehicle is in motion.

As of April 1, 1994, the government ordered all car manufacturers to install seat belts for the front seats. Some thought it was an All Fools Day joke. Far from it. However, it took eight years to make seat belts compulsory. The manufacturers had done their job. The car users were irresponsible.

The most effective passive safety system in a car is the seat belt. It is there at all times to help you in case of an accident. Air bags pop up only in case of a collision and they have been known to malfunction. So, in the long run, a seat belt is a better bet than an air bag.

Why seat belts? Very simple, they save lives. Tests all over the world have shown that a seat belt works, it saves lives. A seat belt is often the difference between life and death. This is good enough reason to insist that everyone should wear seat belts. And be warned, for from October 2002 even rear seat passengers must wear seat belts. If you are fitting your car with seat belts in front, you might as well get a set for the rear. Remember to fit three sets in the rear. More often than not there are three passengers in the rear. Provide for them.

It will be interesting to see how this rule will apply to Sumos, Gypsys and other vehicles which have rear seats facing side ways.

There should be no problem in fitting seat belts in the cars manufactured just prior to 1994. The anchor points had already been built in. This is done at the design and manufacture stage. The points were there, only the belts were missing. It is a simple matter to bolt on the belts which are available in the market.

The problem will arise with the ancient Amabassadors and Fiats where there is no provision to anchor the seat belt. The anchor points have to be strong to hold in case of a collision. Just welding them on at any point may save you from being challaned but will let you down when you need them the most.

Also get approved seat belts. There are seat belts available for Rs 150. Flimsy nylon straps with plastic buckles. These serve only as an anti-challan ploy. For sure they are useless in case of a collision. The nylon webbing or straps should be at least 4 cm wide, strong and with metal clasps that click lock. They should release easily. This is very important in case an occupant of a car involved in an accident has to be evacuated in a hurry. All these factors are for your own personal safety. Pay attention to them.

What do seat belts do for you? The three-point seat belt provided in your car passes across the shoulder and chest to the waist and a second strap is across the waist. I was horrified to see a driver wearing his shoulder strap over the left shoulder! The strap should come across the chest over the right shoulder. This holds you firmly in your seat. In case of a collision, especially frontal, there is a tendency to pitch toward. Without a restraining system you could hit your face into the windshield or steering, smashing your face or crushing your ribs. The seat belt will prevent this.

At 50 km p.h., a human face hitting the windshield or dash board is the equivalent of falling off a third-floor balcony into a concrete surface.

Seat belts in the market are of two types. The cheaper one is just a length of belt which you will have to adjust to your own position. The more expensive one and better one is the E.L.R. (Emergency lock restraint) seat belt. These need no prior adjustment. Just pull it out and lock it. This type of belt allows the driver and passenger to make their normal movements in the car. In case of a sudden jerk the seat belt locks itself, holding the person in place.

Tests have shown that seat belts reduce the chances of injuries by 50 per cent. In our country where approximately 85,000 (reported) people are killed and 12 lakh crippled in auto-related accidents each year, this could make a huge differnce.

We can cut down on there horrific figures. Use seat belts and fasten that helmet strap.

Happy motoring!