The transgender community in India tell motorists to put their seatbelts on in a new safety campaign

A Mumbai public service initiative has taken an unusual approach to getting motorists’ attention – by hiring a group of transgender men known as ‘The Seatbelt Crew’ to perform a demonstration of how to use the safety device.

The transgender group, known as “hijras” in India, are viewed as sacred and touched by God.

They are traditionally identified by their clapping, and bless motorists in return for cash.

However, this time their presence in the rush hour traffic was to make motorists aware of the dangers of not wearing a seatbelt.

The YouTube video, uploaded by Ryan Mendonca, who helped produce the video, shows the hijras clapping to a routine inspired by air cabin crew.

“If you’re going to drive like a pilot,” says one, “then you should know some things.” They then go on to explain to motorists the dangers of driving recklessly and without a seatbelt.

The cheeky video already has almost 500,000 views and has been met with a largely positive response from both motorists and those within India’s transgender community.

Telegraph

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