CAUTION FOR SAFE DRIVING: R. Nataraj, Greater Chennai Police Commissioner, distributing pamphlets to two-wheeler riders on Kamarajar Salai on Tuesday. — Photo: R. Shivajirao

CHENNAI: Helmets have been made mandatory for police personnel riding two-wheelers in the city, R. Nataraj, Greater Chennai Police Commissioner, said here on Tuesday.

Launching a campaign to promote the voluntary use of helmet by two-wheeler riders, Mr. Nataraj said departmental action would be initiated against those personnel who did not wear helmets while riding two-wheelers.

Annually two-wheelers accounted for 30 per cent of the fatal accidents in the city, Mr. Nataraj said. Last year a total of 604 fatal accidents were reported, of which 242 were two-wheeler riders. In 2003, 188 two-wheeler riders died in road accidents and from January till June this year, 88 persons riding motorcycles died in road accidents. Data showed that those in the age group of 20 to 40 were the main victims, he said.

The two-wheeler population in the city was rising day by day and a total of 17 lakh two-wheelers were plying now, he said. So, naturally, those riding two-wheelers getting involved in accidents is very high, hence it has been decided to launch a "wear-helmet" campaign which one can avoid loss of human life, Mr. Nataraj said.

Mahesh Agarwal, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Traffic (South), said a World Bank analysis said every year about 12 million people died in road accidents globally. On an average, 3,000 persons were killed every day. Fatalities were projected to increase by 144 per cent by 2020.

Swaminathan, Zonal Manager, Hero Honda Motors, said the company was conducting safety programmes in educational institutions across the State.

On the occasion, Mr Nataraj distributed pamphlets to motorists who were driving on Kamarajar Salai, highlighting the importance of wearing helmets.

A mega-sized helmet, mounted on a mini lorry, was exhibited at the meeting venue. This vehicle would go around city colleges and professional colleges on the outskirts besides visiting software industries along the Old Mahabalipuram Road everyday for the next three months distributing pamphlets.

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