JOIN USThe Bengaluru City traffic police on Saturday launched a month-long awareness campaign about the importance of wearing helmet while riding two-wheelers to reduce the number of riders/ pillion riders suffering head injuries and deaths.
The initiative titled ‘Wear Safety Helmet Campaign’ is supported by Deccan Herald and Prajavani. The police have planned various events in different parts of the City for the next 30 days.
“Two-wheeler riders are most vulnerable to head injuries. The available data indicates that wearing helmets reduces the risk of head injuries by around 69 per cent and deaths by around 42 per cent. Hence, the traffic police have launched a campaign to create awareness among riders,” Bengaluru City Police Commissioner N S Megharikh said before flagging off the rally.
“Bengaluru is the capital of two-wheelers and we need to sensitise the riders about the importance of protective headgear. The police are enforcing the compulsory helmet rule, but awareness about it is important. Most riders are youngsters aged between 18 and 35 years. We need to inculcate a sense of responsibility and safety-consciousness in them,” he added.
Commissioner for Transport Dr Ramegowda said riders should wear quality helmets. “They should understand that their lives are stake if they ride bikes without wearing helmets,” he said. “A two-wheeler is meant for only two, not for too many. Riders should stop triple riding and carrying more luggage on a two-wheeler. Violation of traffic rules contribute for about 75 per cent of road accidents. The youth should not indulge in drag racing and doing wheelies,” he added.
The campaign will last for a month and the traffic police will ensure strict enforcement of the helmet rule. There is a plan to organise a separate rally for college students as many of them use bikes these days.
About 310 riders/pillion riders were killed in 2012, 309 in 2013, 332 in 2014 and 201 till July 31, 2015, Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) M A Saleem said.
The Printers (Mysore) Private Limited Deputy General Manager (Circulation) S V Srinivasan released a helmet safety brochure.