Cops all set to impose seat-belt rule

BANGALORE: It seems like the new seat belt rule is yet to be implemented effectively in the city  as even after giving a cut off period of 15 days, many are seen violating the rule. However, the Bangalore Traffic Police now plan to step up action against the violators of the rule. They are still not collecting the Rs 100 fine from traffic violators.“Notices are issued to people who are violating this rule. Around 75 per cent of them in the city are following the rule and we are hoping to get 100 per cent success on this,” said M A Saleem, Additional Commissioner for Traffic.The Bangalore Traffic Police had conducted a month-long campaign educating Bangaloreans about strapping on their seat belts. The rule was implemented on February 1, but when Express did a reality check, it was found that maximum drivers still do not adhere to the rule. Visiting eight important junctions in the city, Express found that police  rarely catch offenders, even when they notice them driving without seat belts.As for the citizens, the reasons for not wearing seat belts varied from inconvenience to forgetfulness.Bangaloreans who are grudgingly following the rule believe that they would rather follow the rule as it is being imposed for their benefit. Others who are finding excuses, either strap on when they spot a cop near a junction or blatantly violate the rule.“It is not possible to strap on the seat belt every time I drive. I have to be in  ethnic wear and attend formal meetings,” said Sunanda D, a corporate professional.On being questioned about the offenders whom the traffic police do not catch, even after noticing them at signals, Saleem argued, “The cops note down their registration numbers and notify them about their violation. Even if a cop misses out on a violator, the camera records it. We want Bangaloreans to adhere to this rule.”