With two-wheelers outnumbering any other type of vehicle on Indian roads and accounting for the highest number of road accident deaths, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is in talks with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for upgrading the quality standards of helmets.
“In 2014, about 34% of all road accident deaths were of riders/passengers on two-wheelers, while bicyclists accounted for 3% and pedestrians 9%. At present, people who ride a bike or scooter use poor quality helmets. A distinctly marked helmet for two-wheelers will help reduce risk of accident deaths in a big way,” said Abhay Damle, joint secretary of MoRTH, while inaugurating a-day long seminar on Motor Vehicle Act and Road safety organised by an NGO, CUTS International.
Stronger and lighter
The government is looking at a distinctive BIS mark for helmets to be sold in the market. Mr. Damle added that due to humid weather and faulty designs of helmets, the government is trying to adopt designs and models of helmets that are comfortable for two-wheeler riders.
“The compliance to wearing seat belt is more in comparison to helmets. Why are people reluctant to wear a helmet? We need to design ones that are light and easy to carry,” Mr. Damle said.
Validity increased
“Apart from the helmet, the government has also made provisions in the New Amended Motor Vehicle Act (MVA) to increase validity of renewing of driving license for persons above 50 years for 10 years from present five years years, and for commercial drivers to five years from present three years. Similarly for fitness certificate so less people visit the transport offices,” said Mr. Damle.
‘Separate law & regulation’
“The much-awaited MVA, which has provisions for higher penalties and road safety features, has been delayed and is matter of concern. The best solution for a country like India is to separate the MV Act and road safety regulations as bringing in a law takes decades in India. The strict regulations can help in bringing down road accidents,” said K K Kapila, chairman of the International Road Federation (IRF).
