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How kite string guards can protect bikers from fatal injuries

Gujarat police said that although the prohibited Chinese kite strings or glass-coated kite strings (manjha) are usually believed to be responsible for serious injuries, even the permitted cotton strings are known to cause fatalities.

Kite string guards being affixed on a two-wheeler in Ahmedabad. (Express photo by Bhupendra Rana)

With two weeks to go for Makar Sankranti or Uttarayan, celebrated in regions such as Rajasthan and Gujarat by flying kites, the Gujarat police have launched a drive to prevent grievous injuries caused by loose kite strings (manjha).

In particular, two-wheeler riders are at a greater risk. On Sunday (December 29), a rider in Surat survived a kite string cut on his throat but required 20 stitches. Five other cases have been reported with two fatalities in the Vadodara and Anand districts each.

The installation of protective kite string guards on the vehicles has been encouraged. These guards recently became popular, when the state reported about 130 cases of cuts and injuries during Uttarayan in 2023.

What is a kite string guard and how does it work?

A kite string guard or string protector is a steel looped wire fixed on the motorcycle handlebar. It rises above the head of the rider to catch stray kite strings during the traditional kite flying season in December-January.

The string protector can be fastened to the handlebar or the rearview mirrors. Kheda District Superintendent of Police Rajesh Ghadiya, whose team has distributed more than 500 kite string guards at various police points across the district, said, “It is based on the mechanism that the strings do not entangle with the neck of the rider and is caught above the head.”

Why has the kite string guard been recommended?

Police say that although the prohibited Chinese kite strings or glass-coated kite strings are usually believed to be responsible for causing fatal injuries to riders, even the permitted cotton strings are known to cause fatalities.

Explained | The dangers and legal status of the ‘Chinese’ manjha

Ghadiya said, “Kite flying is part of the tradition but poses a danger to riders, who often drive at high speeds and cannot spot the strings. The kite string guard has a great success rate because a rider wearing a helmet can also suffer injuries on the neck.”

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Jyoti Patel, Vadodara Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), said the city police will begin a drive to distribute free kite string guards in January, supported by NGOs. “The kite string guard can help prevent 90% of fatal neck injuries. We encourage riders to opt for safety measures and by far, the kite string guard is most effective”, she said.

How is it installed?

Steel guards are do-it-yourself wires that only need pliers to twist and fasten the ends around the mirror hole plugs.

Ramesh Parmar, a roadside vendor based in Vadodara, said, “It takes about 10 minutes to fix the steel guard on the motorcycle. Most customers ask us to do it but some also take extra pieces for their family members and prefer to fix them themselves. Since the wires are about 5-6 mm in width, it is not difficult to twist them if one uses a tong or pliers available at home. It is also easily detachable and reusable.”

How much do kite string guards cost?

The price ranges between Rs 80 to Rs 150. Parmar said, “Each protector costs vendors about Rs 40 and we sell it for about Rs 80 to 100… In the last month, I have sold about 600 pieces.”

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Protective neck braces are also available, ranging from Rs 60 to Rs 400, depending on the material, padding, closure and coverage of the neck and face.