The Kerala Motor Vehicle Department has issued a new directive to penalize two-wheeler riders who engage in conversation with their pillion passengers. The primary aim of this rule is to minimize distractions for the rider and reduce the likelihood of road accidents.
As reported by Kerala Kaumundi, Joint Transport Commissioner K Manoj Kumar has dispatched a notice to all Regional Transport Offices (RTOs). Although the measure is intended to decrease road mishaps, Motor Vehicle Department officials are still determining the best methods to monitor and enforce the directive. The fine amount for this infringement has not been announced by the Kerala MVD yet.
Chitchat can result in an accident
The cardinal rule of driving or riding is to avoid multitasking. Concentrating on the road and maintaining balance is crucial because any distraction can lead to a lapse in concentration and potentially cause an accident. Engaging in conversation with a passenger can diminish a rider’s reaction time, and not keeping the head straight may result in losing control of the motorcycle.
A report drawing on data from the AIIMS Trauma Center indicates that 53.97 per cent of road accidents involve two-wheelers.
