Triple Riding
In July 2024, in Gorakhpur, a man with two women and three children, all under six years old, was traveling in an overloaded two-wheeler in an unsafe manner, engaging in triple riding, to attend a nearby wedding. One child sat on the fuel tank, two more sat on the women’s laps, and the rider struggled to keep control of the bike while using one hand to hold a drowsy child.
At around 9:30 AM, as they rode along a busy road, the situation became even more dangerous. The rider was using only one hand for control due to his efforts to prevent the child from falling. Furthermore, the bike was imbalanced by luggage loaded on one side. As an autorickshaw attempted to overtake the overloaded motorcycle, from the right side, the side bag slightly touched with the autorickshaw, causing the Overloaded Two-Wheelers rider to lose control and collide with the bridge’s rail guard. As a result, the rear passengers and children sustained major injuries, including multiple fractures.
People are quickly gathered there, some offering to help while others inquired about the family’s destination and the accident’s cause. It was revealed that the family was on their way to attend a wedding in a nearby town; they chose to take the motorcycle ride instead of paying ₹300-400 for an autorickshaw rental.
This tragic incident was for triple riding on Indian roads, and lots of people died for the same reason in India:
- 35% of road accidents and fatalities are due to two-wheelers.
- 25% of two-wheeler passenger fatalities due to triple riding.
- More than 150,000 people die in road accidents annually in India.
Reasons Behind Tripling :
- Affordability: Many families cannot afford four-wheelers or public transportation.
- Economic Constraints: Low-income families rely on two-wheelers for daily commutes.
- Convenience & Timesaving: People use triple riding as a quick and easy solution to avoid traffic congestion.
- Lack of Awareness: Limited knowledge about traffic rules and safety guidelines.
Consequences of triple riding:
- Increased the risk of accidents and fatalities.
- 40% higher chance of accidents due to imbalance and lack of control.
- Medical expenses, emotional trauma, and heavy burdens on families.
- Chance of legal action fines, license suspension, and imprisonment. saferoadlife
Indian Laws and Regulations for Triple Riding:
- Motor Vehicles Act, 1988: Prohibits carrying more than two persons on a two-wheeler.
- Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989: Mandates helmets for all riders.
The penalties for triple riding include fines between ₹100 and ₹500, license suspension, or even imprisonment in rare cases.
Follow road safety rules.Also Read : https://odishatransport.gov.in/Application/uploadDocuments/Notification/Rules_1567838636.pdf
Drive safe, and stay safe.
