Wearing helmets: A rider's choice between life and death
Two-wheelers account for highest share of total road accident deaths in india.
Despite regular campaigns on road safety, the Delhi traffic police data shows two-wheeler drivers aren’t much bothered about the paltry fines and negligible punishment when it comes to violation of traffic rules in the city.
The city has topped the list of road fatalities in the country with 2,216 death in 7,148 road accidents that were reported during the year 2015, as per the data released by National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).
In 2016, the Delhi traffic police issued challan to 11,41, 956 two-wheeler drivers and pillion riders. In 2015, 6,47,036 people were fined for not wearing helmet while driving.
An official with the traffic police said the list has many repeat offenders, as most bikers prefer paying a meager fine of Rs 100 than wearing a helmet.
After implementation of the proposed bill of traffic fine amendments, not wearing a helmet would mean a fine of Rs 1,000, up from the existing Rs 100, and would also lead to suspension of the licence for three months.
“The scenario will change once the proposed bill to increase the fine amount by up to five times comes into effect,” said Garima Bhatna-gar, joint CP (traffic).