Andhra Pradesh - Visakhapatnam   

Helmet rule observed more in breach

Special Correspondent

Police find it hard to enforce traffic regulations

RISKING LIVES?: Helmet is viewed by many as a nuisance than a safety device. Some carry it, but don't wear it. — Photo: K.R. Deepak

VISAKHAPATNAM: `Better a broken helmet than a broken head' was how the publicity campaign for inducing two-wheeler riders to wear helmets for their own safety started nearly three decades ago.

Since then, the traffic on the roads has increased manifold and correspondingly the risk element. Still, many find the helmet a nuisance and encumbrance rather than a safety gear. The police are found wanting when it comes to regulating traffic or enforcing rules.

Escape routes

Take for example, the helmet rule the implementation of which has left much to be desired. Barring some surprise checks to book cases and collect fine here and there, two-wheeler drivers are found breaking the rule with impunity mostly and some of them without helmet have the audacity to stop right in front of the traffic cop at the signal junctions.

The drivers also have escape routes. Pedestrians and other riders coming from opposite direction forewarn them of a helmet-check in front so that they could take a u-turn even on the one-way lane to make a good escape. In some other cases, the pillion rider carries the helmet . If a traffic cop looks serious in business, the driver then stops to wear it, but only to remove it on passing past the law-enforcer.

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