The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : How motorcycles push riders, other road-users into clutches of danger

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Saturday, Jul 26, 2008
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

How motorcycles push riders, other road-users into clutches of danger

Police are creating helmet awareness, writes S. Vijay Kumar

Chennai City Traffic Police statistics indicate that two-wheelers have emerged as major killers on the roads. Three-fourth of the number of vehicles in the city is two-wheelers and 70 per cent of the road accidents involve two-wheelers. A majority of the vehicles that are booked for traffic violations are two-wheelers.

This has turned the spotlight on the need for riders to refrain from violating rules and pay greater attention to issues that improve their and other road users’ safety.

While launching an intensive campaign to minimise accidents, the traffic police took initiative to make wearing of helmet more voluntary than compulsory. Besides levying penalty on those not wearing helmets, traffic police are creating awareness by educating road-users on how a helmet could save the life at the times of accidents.

Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Sunil Kumar says 70,000 cases have been registered against motorcyclists for various traffic violations so far in 2008.

Two interceptive vehicles mounted with gadgets that can detect violations such as overspeeding and drunk driving realise a penalty of Rs. 20,000 each daily.

“Overspeeding is one aspect with which we are really concerned. Our analysis confirms that 75 per cent of the fatal accidents in the city occurred out of negligence or human error. Two youths who died in different road accidents this week were not wearing helmets. They had helmets fastened to their motorcycles. They died of head injuries…”

Asked about sale and use of fake helmets not conforming to the ISI standards, Mr. Sunil Kumar said steps were being taken to create awareness among vehicle-users, telling them not to use such sub-standard helmets. They would not serve any purpose in the event of accidents. “We are also impressing upon the authorities concerned the need to take action against those selling fake helmets. Head injury is serious in road accidents and treatment can become even more complicated if the victim is drunk.” Many riders also do not strap their helmet, which according to police, is of little use.

The drive against minors riding motorcycles was being intensified. “We are levying a penalty of Rs.1,000 on the registered owner of the vehicle who allows a minor to use his/her vehicle,” Mr. Sunil Kumar added.

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