LAST-MINUTE RUSH: People choosing helmets at a makeshift shop in Hubli on Wednesday night.

HUBLI: With the Government making wearing of helmets compulsory from November 1, roadside vendors in the twin cities are doing brisk business.

Most of the owners of two-wheelers in Hubli-Dharwad prefer roadside stalls to automobile shops.

The reason is simple. They get helmets at almost half the price than those with ISI certification in automobile shops.

Most of the vehicle owners want to have a helmet just to escape being penalised by the Traffic Police.

Riders unperturbed

Majority of riders in the twin cities seemed unperturbed by the Government Order. They were seen riding without the protective headgear even on Thursday, a day after the helmet rule came into force.

Medical experts have expressed concern over people purchasing inferior quality helmets, which they said did not reduce the risk much. They feel the aim behind the helmet rule would be defeated if steps were not taken to prevent people from buying such helmets. The Hubli-Dharwad Police Commissionerate has decided to impose penalty on those violating the helmet rule from Friday.

But it has clarified that it would be more of an "educative step" aimed at creating awareness on road safety.

Schoolchildren would be involved in creating awareness on the importance of wearing helmets while riding two-wheelers, Police Commissioner Narayan Nadamani said.

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