Helmet rule on in B'luru; in other cities from Feb 1

As the Bengaluru traffic police began cracking the whip on helmet-less pillion riding on Wednesday, authorities in some parts of the State have reportedly decided to strictly implement the rule from February 1.

Mysuru Police Commissioner B Dayananda said action would be taken against violators after the completion of the awareness drive for 15 days in the city. The police department had roped in school students for an awareness rally on January 14. They had also intercepted two-wheeler riders and explained to them the safety aspects of wearing helmets by both the rider and the pillion rider and also children.

The police are said to be going slow on the implementation of the rule considering that there has been a huge demand for helmets. Given the situation, they were also concerned about customers being exploited by helmet dealers.

In Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Kodagu districts, the police have relaxed the rule till January 31.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, ACP Uday Nayak said the rule would be enforced strictly from February 1. The police are creating awareness among the general public about the need for pillion riders to wear helmets for safety.

Rule breakers

Apparently, not a single pillion rider was found wearing helmet on Wednesday in Mangaluru. However, the police are currently taking awareness measures and are warning two-wheeler riders and pillion riders against violating the rule.

Two-wheeler riders in Chikkamagaluru were not so lucky, as the traffic police in Mudigere penalised more than 120 two-wheeler riders for not wearing helmets on Wednesday.

The police had been issuing warnings to riders to wear helmets since the past one week. As a result, helmet dealers, too, have been doing brisk business.