Lack of safety provisions in motorcycles - effect on insurance claims

There was a news item entitled “Senior citizen’s PIL gets positive Response” in the Indian Daily – The Times of India. In response to the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) pertaining to the violation of Motor Vehicle Act which is resulting in the death of motorcycle riders, the Bombay High Court has directed all the motorcycle manufacturers to ensure all the safety provisions in the vehicles as stipulated in the Act. Reputed manufacturers are involved in the litigation.

It was brought out in the litigation that the manufacturers were violating the rules on the provision of safety equipment in motorcycles, particularly with respect to the provision of permanent hand grip for the pillion rider and covering half of the rear wheel to prevent loose clothing such as saris and dhotis (sari guards) getting stuck to the moving wheel resulting in accidents and casualties. As per the report many motorcycles inspected were not having the hand grips or sari guards of stipulated dimensions.

It is a very good ruling by the court which will also help favorably the victims or their relatives in claims from the motorcycle insurance companies / the vehicle manufacturers the adequate compensation.