City police favour more fine for helmetless ride

The City traffic police are likely to submit a proposal to the Transport department recommending a sharp increase in the fine imposed on two-wheeler riders who do not wear helmets.

A committee has been constituted headed by S Girish, DCP (West Traffic), to look into the matter. “I will submit the proposal to the Transport department in a week’s time recommending the hike,” Girish told Deccan Herald.

At present, Section 177 of the Indian Motor Vehicle Act has a provision to collect Rs 100 for riding a two-wheeler without a helmet. 

“I have recommended that the Section which has provision to collect more fine amount be applied for the offence of riding without wearing a helmet,” he said. “Our intention is not to collect more fine, but to create some fear among riders so that they follow the traffic norms,” he  said.

Special drive

“The week-long special drive to bring down cases involving motorists riding without wearing helmets began on February 13 and concluded on February 19. The police booked over 24,000 cases during the drive. The drive and fine amount will make the offenders realise the importance of wearing helmets,” said B Dayananda, Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic and Security).

“We analysed the data of the last three years and it was revealed that most two-wheeler riders lost their lives due to massive head injuries as they were not wearing helmets at the time of accident. A large number of two-wheeler riders sustained head injuries which crippled normal life, he said.

Most of the two-wheeler riders were found to be wearing helmets that were not ISI certified. In a majority of cases, the riders sustained injuries and died even though they were wearing helmets, but had not tightened the belt.

Wearing helmet is mandatory in the BBMP limits. Quite a few helmetless riders who come from the outskirts of the City like Yelahanka and Devanahalli were found to have been killed on the spot due to massive head injuries, said a senior officer.

Alarming numbers

The City witnessed 5,230 accidents in 2013, in which 771 persons lost their lives and 4,289 sustained injuries.

The study revealed that 38 per cent of the accident victims were killed on the spot, the police said.

Of all the areas, North and West parts of Bangalore contributed for more violations.
“The number of traffic police stations in North and West divisions compared to other divisions is slightly high. The North has six, while the West has eight stations. Hence, more cases could be booked in these divisions, said the officer.