Goa makes helmets mandatory for two-wheeler riders, pillons

The Goa Transport Ministry will make helmet mandatory for both two-wheeler rider as well as pillion rider, from this October.

Arun L. Desai, Director, Transport, said on Thursday that this decision has been taken after various studies conducted by the department revealed that chances of saving the life of two-wheeler riders increases by 70 per cent in case of accidents involving head injuries.

He said that an extensive awareness drive will be conducted across the State in the month of September on wearing helmets.

In Goa at present, wearing of helmet is mandatory for the rider of a two-wheeler and that too on Highways.

He pointed out that the issue of growing fatal accidents involving two-wheelers and leading to complicated head injuries was seriously debated in the monsoon session of the State Legislative Assembly, which concluded recently. The members cutting across the party lines unanimously suggested making helmet wearing mandatory for rider and pillion rider of two-wheelers in this tourist State, said Mr. Desai.

Mr. Desai said that the tourist State with a population of slightly over 14 lakhs has 7.5 lakh two-wheelers, considered a very high ratio to population.

He also made it clear that wearing of ISI helmets will be mandatory.