The author didn't mention anything about seat belts.
The first time I got in a car when I landed in India, I had to insist that my driver pull out the seat belts. I don't think he even knew what the seat belts were for!
I'm mainly lived in Delhi, and haven't been any other big city. Although it is common in smaller towns/cities to not wear seat belts, but in Delhi you definitely do, and there is fairly good chance you will get caught.
The first time I got in a car when I landed in India, I had to insist that my driver pull out the seat belts. I don't think he even knew what the seat belts were for!