The law (Rule 138 (3) of the Central Motor Vehicles Act) says it is mandatory for all occupants, including passengers on the rear seat, to wear seat belts.If caught, it could invite a fine of Rs 600—the amount may go up if caught again—but the Delhi Traffic Police rarely heeds to this law.

“Although there is a law, the enforcement of the same is completely missing,” says traffic expert Rohit Baluja.

Baluja says that the lives of both Annirudh and Sneha could have been saved if they had worn their seat belts.

“Studies conducted abroad show that whenever a vehicle crashes into another, persons on the rear seat are thrown in the front, severely injuring all occupants,” says Baluja.

In Sunday’s accident, Gaurav and Satyajit escaped because of air bags. But there is no provision for airbags for rear seat passengers.

“This has not been introduced by car manufacturers yet. Although air bags are a sure shot method for safeguard, it is too expensive to be popular. Seat belts are a better option,” says Geetam