Image used for representative purposes NEW DELHI: Government is looking at a technology-based solution to curb the growing menace of two-wheeler riders using mobile phone handsets while driving or performing stunts, which contribute to road crashes. The plan involves installing touch or pressure sensors on both handlebars of two-wheelers so that if the rider’s hands are off the handle/s for more than 7-8 seconds, the vehicle would automatically begin to de-accelerate, forcing the person to ride properly.TOI has learned that the plan to use technology to correct rider behaviour was discussed at length at a meeting of transport ministry officials with vehicle manufacturers recently. Officials believe that such a mechanism could significantly reduce distracted riding, particularly the practice of holding a mobile phone in one hand while navigating traffic with the other, as well as performance of stunts.Many riders continue to flout basic safety norms despite penalties under the Motor Vehicles Act. “If the vehicle itself can sense unsafe behaviour and respond, it will deter risky behaviour without requiring constant policing,” said an official.Alongside handlebar sensors, manufacturers have been urged to explore the feasibility of providing leg guards on two-wheelers. This feature can reduce the severity of lower-limb injuries, which are among the most common in motorcycle crashes. While leg guards were more common in older models, modern two-wheelers do not have them.Government data shows there has been a steep rise in the number of two-wheeler deaths – from 69,385 in 2021 to 77,539 in 2023, nearly 45% of all road deaths. Two-wheeler riders top both as victims and cause of road fatalities. According to the road transport ministry’s report, two-wheeler riders had the highest share of road deaths in 2023 while 48,181 people were killed in accidents caused by them.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosSuicide Bombers Storm Pakistan’s FC Headquarters In Peshawar As Explosions Rock High-Security ZoneJustice Surya Kant, Known For Article 370 Ruling And Pegasus Scrutiny, Takes Oath As India’s New CJI’We May Have Run Away!’: Cyril Ramaphosa’s Joke To PM Modi on Hosting G20 Summit Sparks LaughterHow AQ Khan Became ‘Merchant Of Death’ And Triggered Musharraf’s Outrage, Reveals Ex CIA OperativeIndia, Canada Restart Trade Talks, Aim For $50-Bn Trade By 2030 As Pm Modi Meets Mark CarneyIndia, Italy Launch Joint Initiative To Counter Terror Financing As PM Modi Meets MeloniPiyush Goyal Meets PM Netanyahu, President Herzog As India-Israel FTA Talks Gain Momentum‘Sindh May Return To India Again’: Rajnath Singh’s Big Remark On India-Pakistan Border’No Longer Optional’: PM Modi Calls For UNSC Reforms At IBSA Meet; Urges United Stand Against Terror‘Extensive Misinformation’: French Navy Slams Pakistan Media Report Over Op Sindoor Claims123PhotostoriesKyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi fame Sandeep Baswana and Ashlesha Sawant marry after 23 years of living together; share dreamy wedding photosOnce Akshay Kumar, late Irrfan Khan, Manoj Bajpayee’s co-star, THIS actor lost everything and was forced to work as a watchmanKalyani Priyadarshan: Best fashionable moments7 interesting ways to ensure your kids eat eggsAishwarya Rai Bachchan’s approach to raising a confident daughterRoyal babies of 2025: A look at the famous Royal kidsTeaching kids: Who is a stranger? Understanding safe vs. unsafe peopleTop 7 baby names inspired by Lord ShivaHow to make Indian-style kimchi at home for a probiotic boost5 common mistakes people make on the first date123Hot PicksDelhi AQI TodayNew Labour CodeChennai rainGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingChip KellyAuston Matthews InjuryCola Social Security PaymentsBrittany MahomesCanada Citizenship ActMichael IrvinSmriti MandhanaJosh Allen InjuryTejas CrashFortnite Chapter 7 Leaked
Image used for representative purposes
NEW DELHI: Government is looking at a technology-based solution to curb the growing menace of two-wheeler riders using mobile phone handsets while driving or performing stunts, which contribute to road crashes. The plan involves installing touch or pressure sensors on both handlebars of two-wheelers so that if the rider’s hands are off the handle/s for more than 7-8 seconds, the vehicle would automatically begin to de-accelerate, forcing the person to ride properly.TOI has learned that the plan to use technology to correct rider behaviour was discussed at length at a meeting of transport ministry officials with vehicle manufacturers recently. Officials believe that such a mechanism could significantly reduce distracted riding, particularly the practice of holding a mobile phone in one hand while navigating traffic with the other, as well as performance of stunts.Many riders continue to flout basic safety norms despite penalties under the Motor Vehicles Act. “If the vehicle itself can sense unsafe behaviour and respond, it will deter risky behaviour without requiring constant policing,” said an official.Alongside handlebar sensors, manufacturers have been urged to explore the feasibility of providing leg guards on two-wheelers. This feature can reduce the severity of lower-limb injuries, which are among the most common in motorcycle crashes. While leg guards were more common in older models, modern two-wheelers do not have them.Government data shows there has been a steep rise in the number of two-wheeler deaths – from 69,385 in 2021 to 77,539 in 2023, nearly 45% of all road deaths. Two-wheeler riders top both as victims and cause of road fatalities. According to the road transport ministry’s report, two-wheeler riders had the highest share of road deaths in 2023 while 48,181 people were killed in accidents caused by them.
