Despite HC orders, helmet-less riding continues unabated

In Ludhiana, helmet-less driving continues to be a major concern for the authorities concerned and commuters alike. Recently, the Punjab and Haryana High Court mandated helmet use for everyone above the age of four while riding two-wheelers or riding pillion. However, two-wheeler riders can be seen blatantly violating the law and putting their own lives at risk.

As per the data of traffic police, challans for helmet-less driving are the second largest after the violation of wrong parking, but this hasn’t deterred riders from breaking the rules. The most common violations are seen outside schools, where children riding two-wheelers, without helmets, are a common sight. A survey in the city revealed that many riders are challenging the Motor Vehicle Act norms and paying no heed to traffic rules.

Interestingly, many riders, who follow rules, also only do it for show by wearing substandard quality helmets to avoid being challaned. Often the traffic police do not stop one to check if the helmet they are wearing is ISI-marked. “I know wearing a low-quality helmet may pose a risk of serious head injury during an accident, but I only have to travel a few kilometres daily from my house to my workplace, so I don’t feel like spending too much money on ISI-marked helmets as they are costly. However, frankly speaking, I was never stopped by any traffic police because I wear a helmet, even though it is of a low quality,” said Gursharan Singh, an employee at a garment shop on Hambran Road.

Another two-wheeler rider, Amit Kumar, who always wears a helmet, said the day he bought his new bike, he also bought an ISI-marked helmet. If one is spending thousands of rupees on a motorcycle, why be lethargic in buying a helmet worth a few hundred rupees? Saving oneself from traffic challans is secondary to saving lives by wearing good quality helmets, he added.

The amended Section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act states that driving a scooter or bike without a helmet can attract a fine of up to Rs 1,000. The traffic police can also impound the vehicle or suspend the driving licence of the offender. Despite these penalties, helmet-less driving remains a persistent problem in Ludhiana.