Ever since the city traffic department decided to enforce the helmet rule from January 1 onwards, it’s been quite an interesting month for Punekars. Apart from politicians who have opposed the police action on the compulsory helmet rule, a group called the ‘Helmet Sakti Virodhi Kruti Samiti’ took out the world’s first ‘helmet funeral rally’ at a crematorium in the city. Even various citizens who are opposed to the rule have conducted rallies opposing the rule which aims at reducing the number of road accident related deaths due to head injuries. However, quite a few two-wheeler riders, biker groups and two-wheeler safety advocates are in favour of the helmet rule and to that effect, they conducted a rally on the streets of Pune on January 12.
The rally was organised by Zehn X with support from the Pune Traffic Police, Premier Group, Rotary Club of Pune Akurdi and Sancheti Hospital. Around 1,500 helmet-clad riders attended the rally which was led by motorcycle-borne traffic cops followed by the common folk, bike clubs and superbikers. The rally started at various parts of the city and eventually concluded at the Pune Police parade ground in Shivajinagar.
Apart from showing their support for the helmet rule, the rally was conducted to raise awareness about 10 other traffic rules, including those related to drunk driving, not wearing seatbelts, jumping red lights and not having proper vehicle documents, among others. Among other speakers were Dr Parag Sancheti, the chairman and managing director of Sancheti Hospital. Speaking about head-injuries, he stated that the hospital admits 7-8 two-wheeler accident victims with head injuries on a daily basis. He added that these could be avoided had they worn helmets in the first place. Pune incidentally boasts of the highest density of two-wheelers in India.
Although the helmet rule, i.e. Section 129 of the Motor Vehicle Act, was introduced in 1988, it was not enforced until the start of the new year. There was confusion regarding the helmet rule as 2001, an amendment in the Motor Vehicle Act stated that wearing helmets must be worn on highways and not in the city. However, in 2004, the Supreme Court asked the state government to enforce the helmet rule within city limits as well. Currently, not wearing a helmet will invite a fine of Rs 500. In addition, offenders will have to attend counselling regarding the dangers of breaking traffic rules.
We strongly support the helmet rule as the benefits of wearing one far outweigh minor irritants like neck strain, heat or the silly excuse that they impair vision. We are of the opinion that enforcing the rule will greatly reduce grave injuries and fatalities resulting from two-wheeler-related accidents.
Source: zigwheels.com
