Image of a motorcycle rider and pillion passenger not wearing helmets on a busy road in India. The rider is holding a helmet in hand, highlighting the common practice of not using helmets for safety but for avoiding fines. In the background, other vehicles can be seen on the road, showcasing typical Indian traffic conditions.

The Purpose of Helmet vs Indian Rider

The Purpose of Helmet : Helmet is a safety device that can minimize the head injury and death after the road  accident for both rider and pillion rider. Normally there are two types of helmets: full-face and half-face. Full-face is better than a half-face helmet; it covers the full head and chin.

In India, helmets are easily available at shops, roadside, and nearby spare parts shops; however, many people like to purchase non-standard helmets from the roadside venders for a cheaper price ranging from Rs 200 to 1000, which is poor quality, non-standard, and non-ISI-4151. Also Read : – Risky Behavior on Indian Roads: A Concern for Kid’s & Teenagers.

Despite the Indian law for both rider and pillion rider to wear helmets, which otherwise imposed a Rs 500 to Rs 1000 penalty as per the Motor Vehicle Act and the Amendment Act 2019, many people still do not understand the purpose of helmet and don’t comply with the law . They think helmets are inconvenient, not visible on both sides, a major problem in adverse conditions and at night, so they carry the helmet by left or right hand, bike hook, or hang it on a mirror; even ask the pillion passenger to hold the helmet; few people put it in a bag.

Riders wear the helmet only for the enforcement check and avoid the penalties at the city, intersections, or police helmet checking points.

Common reason for not wearing the helmets by Indian Rider :

  • Helmets cause hair falls.
  • Helmets obstruct the vision.
  • Weight is heavy to carry.
  • Helmets cause discomfort due to heat and sweating.
  • Limited vision at intersection.
  • Low visibility in adverse weather conditions.
  • Blur or glare while driving at night.
  • Other personal reasons.

These misconceptions and personal beliefs are leading to the head injury and fatalities in India. According to the report, 90% of rider and passenger deaths are due to head injuries in road accidents. Still, Indian riders and passengers are not aware of the importance of helmets.

They believe wearing helmets is only to avoid the penalties or important for the enforcement department to harass the people to collect the penalty as per their monthly target.

Still, Indian riders and passengers are not aware. Many riders feedback is that death is a matter of fate or God’s will rather than taking responsibility for their own safety.

What is your opinion??

  • Helmet must be worn by Rider with a TWO-finger strip and chin gap.
  • Helmets must be mandatory for kids?
  • Helmets must be mandatory for pillion riders.

Follow safety, stay safe,

 Zero injury, zero incidents

Thanks

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