The Salem rural police have introduced ‘helmet zones’ in each station limit primarily to ensure helmet rule compliance and thereby reducing the number of fatal accidents.
Despite various awareness campaigns, only a small percentage of motorists are wearing helmets in Salem and this has also led to increase in fatal accident rates in the district.
According to rural police officials, till July 5, 162 fatal accidents have been reported here. To reduce fatal accidents, helmet zones would be set up in 33 places.
Additional Superintendent of Police V.Anbu said that motorists should wear helmets to use these demarcated areas which were less than one kilometre. Otherwise, they would have to pay fine. Such zones would soon be set up in all station limits.
Informative banners had been displayed at the demarcated areas advising the public to wear helmets and policemen deployed at the entry and exit points of the stretch.
Superintendent of Police S.Deepa Ganiger said that initially they were creating awareness about such zones amongst the public and motorists were warned and advised by police personnel to use helmets.
Motorists were made aware of the consequences of riding without helmets. She added that car drivers were also advised to wear seat belts while driving.
