Stricter Helmet Rules – Need Of The Hour

Published: Wednesday, June 27, 2012, 17:56 [IST]

India is the country with the highest number of deaths caused by road accidents. Two wheeler drivers are a major contributor to this dubious distinction. One of the major reasons for many deaths in road accidents is because road users never fully follow traffic rules that have been devised to ensure their safety.

The recent death of a Tamil Nadu minister's son who died as he was not wearing a helmet while riding his bike should force authorities to enforce strict helmet rules. Moreover the fact that the deceased person was also using his mobile phone while riding the bike should be a warning to all two wheeler users who regularly use their phones while riding.

We have noticed many two wheeler users speaking over phones even while riding through heavy traffic. Such people not only endanger their own lives but also the lives of other road users. Consider this astounding statistic, 80% of two wheeler drivers involved in road accidents have been reported to have not been wearing helmets. Many of these accidents have resulted in death. Wearing a helmet, doctors say would have saved almost every life that was lost.

Although there are rules banning the use of phones, people as well as traffic authorities have turned a blind eye towards them. The need of the hour is strict adherence to rules both by the people as well as the concerned authorities. Many people continue to avoid following traffic rules only because there is no strict enforcement of these rules and even people who do get caught escape with a small fine.

There have been several attempts to increase awareness about traffic rules and the need to wear helmets. Several publicity campaigns and hoardings have done little to force people to wear helmets. Authorities are of the opinion that higher fines and harsher punishments will only deter motorists from not following traffic rules.

Acts such as not wearing a helmet or using a phone should be considered as serious breaches of rules and must be dealt with accordingly. The current fine for not wearing a helmet is just Rs.100. Similarly the fine for using a phone while driving is Rs.100. Such small fines will never deter people from continuing in their old ways. Although higher fines might sound harsh, at times they can be considered the only option to make our roads safer.

Drivespark would like to inform all its readers that wearing a helmet will only help save their life.