Wearing of helmets is mandatory but motorists in Vellore seem to have little interest in adhering to it.
The Madras High Court had made this rule mandatory from July 1. But within a month-and-a-half, a large number of motorists on Vellore roads are seen sans helmets.
In fact, there was an overwhelming response when the court’s direction was enforced but it has come down drastically. This shows that motorists are not interested in their own safety.
Analysis of data
The police department, during an analysis of data on accident deaths, found that the number of deaths due to head injuries sustained in accidents had reduced due to helmet use.
Nevertheless, the department has been noticing a decline in the number of helmet users in Vellore. “We have created plenty of awareness on the importance of wearing helmets over the last one month. However, it is also the responsibility of individuals to follow the ,” a police official said.
As of now, the police, during checks, were booking cases against violators. “We seize the vehicle documents and produce the persons before the court. They have to pay a fine in the court,” the official said.
Police officers said that persons, who were affected in a way or other by not wearing helmets, are now using the safety gear. Apart from them, very few motorists use helmets. Some of them just carry the helmets with them but do not wear.
Head injuries
Doctors, on their part, continue to reiterate the need to wear helmets to prevent head injuries in accidents.
At Christian Medical College Hospital, Vellore, at least 2,000 to 2,500 persons with head injuries sustained in accidents come to the emergency care unit in a year, of which about 700 require admission due to severe injuries, according to Mathew Joseph, professor of Neurosurgery, CMC.
Majority persons wearing helmets and involved in accidents sustain fractures and require orthopaedic treatment, he said.
“Mostly, motorists give an excuse that they wear helmets only when travelling for long distances. They assume that helmets are not necessary while going to the next street or nearby shop. But helmets are life saving mainly in city traffic,” he said.
Wearing helmets is crucial particularly while travelling on low speed in city traffic but, it is here that motorists do not wear the safety gear, he explained.
Dr. Joseph pointed out that even simple falls from motorbikes could cause head injuries. He said that the studies have shown that notions that helmets cause spinal injury or that the motorists cannot hear properly are wrong.
At the Government Headquarters Hospital, Walajapet, at least 80 per cent of accidents and head injury cases are due to absence of helmets and drunken driving.
“Not wearing helmets increases chances of fatality. It could cause brain injury, skull fracture and coma. Just wearing the helmet is not enough; the motorist should ensure that the strap is buckled. Only then is the helmet 100 per cent effective,” a government doctor said.
