The Transport Department, in a bid to check the number of road accidents, has decided to make helmet mandatory for two-wheeler drivers in the State from July 1.
The rule will be strictly implemented in municipalities too, apart from the cities , according to Additional Transport Commissioner P. Srinivas. He said that wearing seat belt in cars was also made mandatory to ensure passengers’ safety.
Mr. Srinivas, who reviewed the performance of the department in Srikakulam on Wednesday, said: “With the directive from the government, helmet will be made compulsory for all road users on the lines of Karnataka, where 95 per cent of the two-wheeler riders wear helmets ,” he added.
According to him, the department has given target of 650 cases to each district. At least, 150 cases will be booked, if the drivers fail to comply with the rules.
Other offences such as drunk driving, driving without licence will also be viewed seriously.
“Focus will be more on the enforcement of the rule to reduce accidents than generating revenue from the move. Plans are afoot to impart training to auto drivers and others to create awareness on traffic norms,” said Mr. Srinivas.
Referring to the row over the authority of police to register cases against traffic rule violators, Mr. Srinivas clarified that the only Circle Inspector rank officers could impose fine, but others could register cases.
CI rank officer can impose fine on traffic rule violators, while police can register cases
P. Srinivas,Additional Transport Commissioner
