Students of Yadava College took out an awareness rally on the need to wear helmet while riding two-wheeler in the city on Tuesday.
Commissioner of Police P. Balasubramanian flagged off the rally at Race Course Grounds in the presence of college correspondent and Secretary K. P. Navaneethakrishnan among others.
The rally covered the main thoroughfares of the city and ended at the Railway Junction on the West Veli Street. College principal Rengan said that over 500 students participated in the rally.
Later, talking to reporters, Mr. Balasubramanian appealed to all motorists’ in the city to wear helmets and ride their two-wheelers in their own safety. Many college students were using two-wheelers and in the event of any untoward incident, wearing helmets would certainly save their lives. The custodians of law may impose fines, but such an act should come voluntarily from the vehicle users to use helmets.
He also cited some examples on the risks involved in not wearing helmets. Many accidents resulted in permanent disabilities and in the case of youths, they may even suffer more because of the speed, he cautioned.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Magudapathi said that in 2009, 125 persons were killed in different road accidents in the city. The good news is that in 2008, the number of fatal accidents stood at 142 and the number of accidents too was high than last year.
Stretches like TPK Road, By-pass road, Thathaneri were prone to fatal accidents, while Alagarkoil Road stretch had more non-fatal accidents. With growing vehicle population, it would be ideal for motorists to wear helmets voluntarily. “Only with the cooperation of people, the police could bring down better road discipline and regulation,” he added.
Regional Transport Officer (Madurai central) T.G. Thomas said that there were approximately 2.5 lakh two-wheelers in the city.
Doctors at the Government Rajaji Hospital said that victims of road accidents wearing helmets, escaped with minor ailments such as fracture, but persons not wearing helmets admitted with head injuries ended in fatal. They also asserted that quality headgears protected the skull and withstood the impact thus saving the precious lives.
