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Riders reluctant to sport helmet
The much-publicised helmet rule seems to be failed to attract attention of bike riders in the city. There are few takers for the helmet. Many bike riders and pillion riders have hardly any interest in sporting it while driving on perilous city roads.It may be noted that Krishna District Collector Lakshmikantam launched helmet drive on September 1. The bike riders were warned against not sporting
Vijayawada: The much-publicised helmet rule seems to be failed to attract attention of bike riders in the city. There are few takers for the helmet. Many bike riders and pillion riders have hardly any interest in sporting it while driving on perilous city roads.It may be noted that Krishna District Collector Lakshmikantam launched helmet drive on September 1. The bike riders were warned against not sporting the helmet. They were told that for first time, the riders sans helmet will be slapped with a fine of Rs 100. If they repeat the crime, the harsh punishment is cancellation of licence.
Despite wide campaign for helmet, the public appears to be in no mood to respect the safe norm. At the end of seven days, the police failed to enforce the helmet wearing on a positive note. There are many roads and junctions in the city where there is possibility for road accidents. Though the police appear to be concerned about the number of casualties on roads, people seems not to take the norm seriously.
On the other hand, sale of helmets have been on the rise. There are many new roadside outlets appearing wherein petty traders have been selling helmets. They mostly disposing helmets without an ISI specification.
The price of substandard helmet is within Rs 500 at these makeshift outlets on roadside and highways at many places. The standard quality helmets are available for prices starting from Rs 1,200 at motor spare part shops near Navrang theatre and Congress office road here.
An accident occurred near Kankipadu on September 2, a bike rider died on the spot even though he was wearing a helmet. His bike hit a heavy vehicle causing his head hit against the front portion of the heavy vehicle. The helmet developed cracks and the youth riding the vehicle died within two minutes. The helmet may be of substandard quality.
“Accidents are happening everywhere in the city. The motorcycle riders are safe as long as they use quality helmets. Though they have not liking helmet for a few days, they have to wear when the enforcement is made strict,” said M Krishna, a trader.
“We are doing business. And we are providing helmets at prices lower than showrooms. As we need not pay rents to shops, we can compromise on price. The doubts on quality are baseless,” said Hari, who sells helmets roadside.
By Noor Shaik
