Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

On wearing helmets

The helmet rule enforced by the Tamil Nadu government for two-wheeler riders since June 1 led to a mad rush for helmets before d-day. On day one, I was pleasantly surprised to see most of the riders sporting helmets. Then came the dilution. Officials were asked not to harass people while enforcing the law. Women and children riding the pillion could decide whether or not to wear a helmet. The police obviously started looking the other way when the rule was blatantly violated.

Those opposing the rule argue that it is up to the individual to protect his or her head and that the helmet rule should not be thrust on anyone. I am all for the argument with a rider. Insurance companies should not compensate the person who does not wear a helmet and meets with an accident.

Madhu Ranganathan,
Cuddalore

* * *

I am personally against wearing a helmet because of the discomfort it causes. In a country with our kind of climate and roads, it aggravates the already unpleasant experience of driving. Nevertheless, when a government takes a decision and enforces a rule, it is our duty to follow it. Failure to do so cannot be condoned. The problem is the police do not view it that way.

As for the people, if-you-go-easy-we-go-easy-too is the attitude and they cannot be blamed for adopting it. The fault, therefore, lies on both sides. When I ride the pillion wearing a helmet, I feel stupid as I am one of the very few following the rule. At the same time, I can hold my head high because I am a law-abiding citizen.

Raji Regupathy,
Madurai

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