Two-wheeler riders who thought the authorities will go soft on the helmet rule were in for a surprise on Monday with hundreds of them being fined for not adhering to the decision.
Unlike in the past, excuses did not work for around 1,000 motorcyclists who had to face action for riding without helmets on the first day.
Senior Superintendent of Police (Law and Order) Rajiv Ranjan said the compliance with the new rule improved as the day progressed. “We did not show any leniency to violators. By noon, 50% of the two-wheeler riders were wearing the headgear. There has been no resistance from the public as they understood the importance of adhering to the rule. The spot fines will continue in the days to come,” he said.
Superintendent of Police (North) Rachna Singh said: “This rule is new to Puducherry and people are not used to wearing helmets. The rule clearly states that even the pillion riders should wear helmets. Nearly 60% of the deaths in accidents are due to head injuries. Hence, we are creating awareness among public on safety measures.” While first-time offenders have to cough up a spot fine of ₹100, repeat offenders will be fined ₹300, Mr. Ranjan said.He said by noon around 600 people were penalised. According to a traffic personnel, the number of cases of spot fine touched 1,000 by 5 p.m.
The police were waiting for the violators of the helmet rule since morning along main thoroughfares such as Jawaharlal Nehru Street, Indira Gandhi square and Rajiv Gandhi square. “I did not know about the helmet rule. We just returned to Puducherry after a long vacation,” said a teacher who was caught without helmet at Indira Gandhi Square. He was asked to pay a fine of ₹100.
Another two-wheeler rider told the police that he did not have sufficient money to buy a helmet. “A helmet costs more than ₹800. I have to get my salary to buy it,” was his plea.
Even those who had the helmet but did not wear it were penalised.
Though there were people riding without helmets, several motorcyclists had purchased new helmets on Monday.
Reluctant to wear it
Karthikeyan said he had bought a new helmet which cost him more than ₹1,000.
“I have never worn a helmet till now. I am still getting used to it. It is going to be difficult to wear them especially when the heat is soaring high in Puducherry,” he said.
Pradeep Nair, head of the department, Neurology, Jipmer, welcomed the government’s rule in making helmets mandatory.
“Even a small head injury can lead to paralysis. Even before this rule was implemented, many of us wore helmets while riding. Now that the government has made it mandatory, everyone should ensure their safety by wearing helmets. The government has taken a very good decision,” he said.
