Goa News Aug 2014

Wearing helmets must from Oct

Rule also applicable to pillion rider and on all roads

By TEAM HERALD | 29 Aug, 2014, 07:50PM IST

PANJIM: With the alarming rise in fatalities involving two wheeler riders, the transport department has enforced the wearing of helmets for both riders and pillions from October.

This will be preceded by a combined awareness campaign by the transport and traffic officials during the State Road Safety Week commencing September 8. 

Addressing a press briefing in the capital on Thursday, Transport Director Arun Desai said the exercise will help save lives and reduce safety risks. This decision comes nearly a month after the government announced that it would implement the compulsory helmet rule after an extensive awareness programme spread across two months, in the recently concluded monsoon session of the legislative assembly.

“Wearing of helmets will be compulsory on all roads in Goa. Both rider and pillion rider will have to wear helmets failing which they will be challaned,” Desai said. Citing Section 129 of the Central Motor Vehicle Act, Desai said that helmet rule for rider and pillion is compulsory with an exemption only to persons belonging to the Sikh community. 

The theme for the State Road Safety Week is "Use your head. Wear helmet". Desai said the awareness will also sensitize people to wear helmet and not carry them as the latter poses further danger to one’s life. 

The number of casualties this year doubled compared to those of last year with 49 riders having lost their lives in 2014 compared to 28 during the same period last year. While accidents involving two wheelers increased from 753 (from January to April 2013, to 852 during the same period this year, prompting transport department to crack down on reckless driving in a special drive from May.  

In June 2012, government had taken a decision on compulsory helmet rule but subsequently amended after opposition from various quarters. Goa currently enforces compulsory wearing of helmets for two-wheeler riders only on highways, whereas within the city it is not compulsory.