There has been a shocking escalation in road fatalities related to helmetless riding in the city, with Chennai Traffic Police (CTP) statistics till the end of September indicating that they account for 99 percent of all deaths of motorcyclists.
The traffic police have now planned to intensify the drive against helmetless riding in the city.
A total of 437 fatalities involving motorcyclists have been recorded in the city this year, of which 435 involved riders without helmets who suffered severe head injuries. “After the helmet rule came into effect, our personnel intensified the drive and penalised many motorists riding without helmets in the city. We keep advising motorcyclists not to ride without protective headgear, but most people throw caution to the winds without realising the consequences of a simple fall and a resulting head injury,” said a senior CTP officer.
He said over speeding was a major reason for road fatalities, and youngsters with fast motorcycles and scooters flouting traffic rules were a major cause for concern among the police as they also posed a hazard for pedestrians and fellow motorists.
Shockingly, substandard helmets and a failure to fasten the strap of a helmet while riding have also resulted in the deaths of a few young people in the last few years. In Chennai, it isn’t mandatory by law for pillion riders to wear a helmet, unlike in Delhi or Kerala, but authorities here have always advised those seated pillion to also wear helmets. This year, so far, the city roads have witnessed 51 fatalities of pillion riders.
“Enforcement is secondary; self-discipline is primary. Police action or penalties can curb road accidents and resulting fatalities only to a certain extent. Motorcyclists should realise the consequences of helmetless riding as a fatal accident or a head injury resulting in a coma is traumatic for family members too,” the officer added.
