Not wearing helmets most common traffic violation: Cops

CBD BELAPUR: Since January this year, Navi Mumbai traffic police have caught 43,717 people for violating traffic norms and Rs44 lakh from them in fines. Not wearing helmets was the most common violation among these.

It is mandatory to wear a helmet while riding two-wheelers. While regular awareness campaigns are conducted by the traffic police on the dangers, action is also taken against those not wearing helmets.

On an average, around 125 two-wheeler riders are penalised every day. “We have intensified our drive against those not wearing helmets. It is not a burden. It is a security shield and can make the difference between life and death,” said Arvind Salve, deputy commissioner of police (traffic).

“All bikers should wear it for their own safety and prevent action against them,” he said.

Last year, the traffic police had taken action against 36,499 two wheeler drivers and collected Rs38.26 lakh fine. The Navi Mumbai police commissionerate jurisdiction includes several highways and roads including Sion-Panvel highway, MumbaiPune expressway, Goa highway, Panvel-JNPT road, ThaneBelapur and Palm Beach road.

Barring JNPT area, all the main highways and roads are in good condition and motorists reportedly often flout the prescribed speed limit, risking their lives. This leads to accidents, which had become common in the city.

WHILE TRAFFIC COPS CONDUCT REGULAR AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS, ACTION IS ALSO TAKEN AGAINST THOSE NOT WEARING HELMETS