Motorists not keen on wearing helmet daily

Unlike in many states, the city police has not enforced any law for the pillion rider on a two-wheeler to wear a helmet so far.

“Helmet is absolutely necessary for a twowheeler rider while on the road. Accidents are never predictable. The pillion rider’s life is equally in danger in case of an accident,” said Mr M. Vinod Kanumula, chief functionary of the Indian Federation of Road Safety. The pillion rider helmet rule is in existence in Ker-ala, Delhi, Bengaluru and Chennai.

The traffic police says it cannot enforce the law because it is on a step-by-step process to get riders to wear helmets. “We would be focusing on implementing the rule with riders first. It is necessary to stabilise the enforcement process by taking gradual steps,” said Hyderabad joint commissioner of police, traffic, V. Ravinder.

“The rules are very strict on paper but the officials should work more on the ground level,” said Dr Soi, who is considered to be one among the top 10 road safety experts in the world.

There has been a significant change in the number of bikers wearing helmets after the system to levy penalty points on the driving licence came into force. “Hope the authorities make it mandatory for pillion riders too,” says Mr Kanumula. said Titto George, an IT professional.

“Many people are ignorant about the benefits of wearing a helmet. Then there are others who are arrogant. In fact, they are waiting for the inevitable to happen,” said Abhishek Bharti, a working professional in the city.

However, there a handful of parents, who have made it point to catch their children young when it comes to helmets. “The youth must know the importance of protective gears while on the road. I remind my son every day to wear a helmet. In fact, I myself carry one when we go together,” said Mahendiran, an army personnel.