No regard for rules

At least nine people died on City roads in January this year alone for the simple reason that they were not wearing a helmet while riding a two-wheeler. Enough cases are registered for non-use of helmets. Yet people, especially youngsters, continue to flout the law with impunity.

People riding two-wheelers without helmet is a common sight in the City. And even if they do wear it, the helmet sits only half-way down the head. Even worse, some people hang the helmet on their arm and wear it only when they see a cop.

Metrolife spoke to the Bangalore Traffic Police and ordinary people to understand why this rule is not taken seriously. Going by the statistics available with the Bangalore Traffic Police, cases registered for non-usage of helmets have only been increasing. The cops say it’s impossible to get people, more so the ‘educated’ people, to abide by the rules. The number of cases booked for non-usage of helmets in 2011 was 3,20,456 while 2010 saw 2,57,072. The cases registered in 2009 were 2,30,769.  

“Despite stringent enforcement, people violate rules with impunity and there has been a steady rise in the number of cases registered against people for not using their helmets. The licence of a person who has been caught for the third time for the same offence, will be referred to the RTO for suspension. He or she will have to wait for six months before reapplying for a licence,” says Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic and Safety) M A Saleem.   

Saleem points out that two-wheeler riders are prone to head injuries. “A simple skid, without wearing a helmet, can cause grave injury in the head. The cases of two-wheeler accidents are the highest in Jalahalli, Koramangala, Old Madras Road, Mysore Road, Outer Ring Road,” he adds.

But the helmet dealers say that they have been registering good sales and the number hasn’t really dipped in the last few years. Mohan Kumar, Manager of Orion Motors, stocks helmets starting form Rs 5,000 to Rs 32,000. “We easily sell about eight to 10 helmets a week. The lighter helmets, that are also designed for long rides, sell faster. These helmets are designed to offer better protection to the head and face,” he says.

Suma Narayan of Sri Narayana Accessories, a small store on J C Road, sells helmets costing anywhere between Rs 150 and Rs 500. “These are use and throw helmets. We make brisk business during holidays, especially between March and June,” says Suma.
Most youngsters point out that while it’s cool to rip up an empty road or even worm one’s way through traffic without a helmet, it is done at the cost of one’s safety. Karthik Prasad Yanamandra, an IT professional says, “So many lives could have been saved had people worn helmets. If people are worried about hair fall, they could first wear a handkerchief and then the helmet. But it must be mandatory in all cities,” says Karthik.

Aju A, another professional, points out, “Motorists are more susceptible to head injuries. Despite so many accidents, people still don’t bother to wear helmets. The helmet is a protective gear and its importance cannot be overlooked,” he sums up.