Wearing of helmet by two-wheeler riders made a good beginning on Wednesday in the city.
According to a rough estimate, more than 90 per cent of the bike riders were wearing helmets. The response was good from people of all walks of life, including office-goers, merchants, traders, parents, and students.
Although the motorcyclists were divided on wearing helmet, many did not want to take the risk of being fined by the police. Some feared that helmetless ride would result in impounding of driving licence and certificates.
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First-time users felt bit uneasy to wear helmet.
“We have got tremendous response from the people. Most two-wheeler riders have used helmet on the first day after the ultimatum. The next step will be to make them get accustomed to wearing helmet.
If the two-wheeler riders continue to use it for two weeks, they will invariably use helmets while riding,” said a police officer.
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There were scenes of policemen questioning those riding motorcycles without helmet in different parts of the city.
The drive that started from 7 a.m. continued in the evening as well. Many were reprimanded by the police. Some were offered a piece of advice on the importance of wearing helmet.
Although it was compulsory for two-wheeler riders, including the pillion, to wear helmets, most pillion riders travelled without helmet.
“I spent Rs. 1,000 for buying a branded helmet a few days ago. I cannot afford to buy one more helmet. I have to wait for a few more weeks to buy additional helmet for the pillion rider,” said a hawker in Anna Nagar.
Meanwhile, automobile accessories’ shops and other outlets across the city continued to be flooded with a large number of two-wheeler riders seeking to buy helmets.
Special stalls were functioning in shopping malls with brands, ranging from Rs. 400 to Rs. 3,000. Hawkers set up shop in different areas for selling helmets, ranging from Rs. 200 to Rs. 1,000 and reaped a windfall on Wednesday.