Pramesh S Jain
Nearly nine years after helmet rules were relaxed in parts of Chikkaballapur district,the police have now decided to strictly enforce them again in a bid to curb rising road fatalities.
District Superintendent of Police Kushal Chouksey said that a survey conducted by the department revealed that half of all fatal bike accidents in the district involved riders who were not wearing helmets.“Many of these deaths could have been prevented if the victims had worn helmets,”he said.
Police also flagged another dangerous trend—riders using mobile phones while riding,often leading to both fatal and non-fatal crashes.Making helmets compulsory, officials believe, will also help reduce phone usage on the move.
“People spend money on screen guards for their mobile phones but ignore helmets that actually protect their head and life,”Chouksey remarked.
At a recent review meeting,it was decided to reimpose the helmet rule across the district.
Awareness campaigns have already begun,and riders have been given time until December 12 to purchase helmets.
From that date,police have been instructed to enforce the rule strictly and initiate legal action against violators.
It may be recalled that many rural pockets of the district had not implemented helmet rules earlier,citing poor road conditions and local resistance.
