Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

On wearing helmets

The Tamil Nadu Government's decision to make helmet-wearing compulsory for two-wheeler riders is a step in the right direction. Though it may be a little inconvenient for the rider at the beginning, over a period of time wearing a helmet will become a regular habit. The law should be strictly enforced.

Lt. Col. R.V.S. Mani (retd.),
Madurai

Better late than never. The Government must now ensure that there is a supply of good quality helmets in the market at reasonable prices. It should guard against exploitation owing to a sudden spurt in demand.

P. Vijayasenan,
Chennai

To make the proposed law a success, some aspects should be taken care of. Substandard helmets should not be allowed to enter the market. The Government should give wide publicity to the advantages of wearing a helmet. It is important to impress upon two-wheeler riders the need to use right sized helmets, as there is a tendency to acquire only one helmet for a family.

Pamphlets on the importance of helmets should be distributed in all hospitals, two-wheeler parking stands, RTOs, and driving schools. Publicity at cinema theatres should be considered.

S.S. Baskaran,
Chennai

While I am all for wearing helmets, I am opposed to the idea of making their use compulsory. When there is no legal compulsion in matters related to drinking and smoking, why should there be a compulsion to wear helmets?

I am a senior citizen and have been riding a two-wheeler for decades. I will adopt Gandhiji's non-cooperation method if the new law is implemented. Persuasion and encouragement are better options and they will improve the relationship between the people and the traffic police.

R. Ramachandran,
Coimbatore

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