Unfazed by cameras, two-wheeler riders ride without helmets

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: The city traffic police (BTP) have disappointingly found that their battle to convince two-wheeler riders to wear helmets for safety while riding, is far from won.

Despite extensive monitoring and awareness campaigns promoting helmet use by NGOs and Bengaluru Traffic Police, numerous instances of riders moving around without helmets continue to be observed in the city.

Even after the deployment of high-tech cameras, many motorcyclists and their pillion riders neglect the need for wearing helmets.

Several police personnel anonymously told News Trail that they were left amazed by the fact that most individuals displayed sheer ignorance, which was at times comical, when asked about the need to wear helmets.

When confronted by cops about this, most riders came up with a range of amazing excuses. Caught by a policeman near Corporation Circle, a man retorted, "I can't hear sounds properly, so I don't wear it. I'm ready to pay the fine," Another youth who was also riding without a helmet, took a u-turn and fled the scene at the sight of the police, leaving other vehicles moving on the road in trouble.

According to data shared by the BTP, there have been over 2,040 road accidents reported in the city up to May 2024. Specifically, of these accidents recorded in the first five months of the year, 368 were fatal, while 1,672 were non-fatal.

These incidents resulted in 376 deaths and left 1,736 people injured. The BTP also released the 2024 Bengaluru Violations Data, which highlights the alarming number of traffic violations in the city.

A total of 39,10,980 violations were recorded, reflecting the ongoing issue of traffic non-compliance. Among these, reckless driving remains a significant concern with 1,527 reported cases, along with 2,091 instances of overspeeding. Such behaviour is a major contributor to the high number of road accidents.

Despite technological advancements and efforts to monitor traffic from control rooms, enforcing helmet laws remains a challenge. Traffic police at various junctions are primarily focused on managing the flow of traffic and often lack the resources to apprehend helmet law violators effectively.

Child safety while riding

The Karnataka High Court issued a notice in December last year to the state government, urging the enforcement of child safety measures for riders.

The notice called for the availability of child safety helmets and harnesses for children aged nine months and older, as per Rule 138(7) of the Central Motor Vehicle (Second Amendment) Rules 2022. This rule mandates safety harnesses for children on motorcycles.

The petition emphasised strict enforcement of related sections of the Motor Vehicles Act. The safety harness, an adjustable vest with shoulder loops, ensures secure attachment of the child to the motorcycle driver.

The persistent issue of riders and pillion riders neglecting helmet use, underscores the need for stronger enforcement.