MAKE REAR-VIEW MIRRORS COMPULSORY

STAR LETTER wins a 1-litre pack of Motul 300V

I am one of the innumerable two-wheeler riders in the city of Pune. I also drive a car. That is why I have tried here to give what I think is a balanced view on the topic of making helmets compulsory.

No doubt riding without a helmet is hazardous, but it is a hazard only to the rider concerned, since only his/her head is unprotected. Why spend so much time debating the helmet issue if the riders themselves are not concerned about their own safety? rear-view mirrors on both sides of a twowheeler should be made compulsory. It is commonly seen that most two-wheeler riders either remove the side rear-view mirrors on their two-wheelers or don’t replace them in case of breakage. Then they turn either without the help of these mirrors or they turn their heads back to see if a vehicle is approaching from behind, while disregarding has no business to endanger the lives of other riders/drivers.

I also suggest that the indicator lights (in a working condition) at the front and rear of two-wheelers should also be made compulsory. When a two-wheeler either has no indicators or the rider chooses not to use them, the sudden slowing down endangers

coming from behind.

I hope the legislators and police take note of these important aspects. Dear Atul, You have made a pertinent point about personal choice and freedom, but the fact is that as a society, we have to enact certain laws and rules to preclude chaos and avoidable harm. When a non-helmeted two-wheeler rider meets with an unfortunate accident, it is not only his own limb and life that he imperils, but also those of whoever he collides with. We agree with you on the issue of rear-view mirrors and indicators and hope more and more riders become aware of the importance of these. The laws in this regard are already in place, only compliance is wanting.