PANJIM: The Goa Police claims to have recorded a remarkable improvement on the compliance of helmet rule by the two-wheeler riders while it also contemplates to extend the rule to pillion riders as well.  A sample survey carried out last month indicates that compliance with helmet rule is highest in Panjim whereas Margao and Curchorem, both in the South district, have the maximum violators.  

Director General of Police Muktesh Chander said the traffic personnel are already tasked with ensuring strict enforcement of the helmet rule at places where the compliance is poor.  

Statistics available with Herald reveals that 97-98 percent two-wheeler riders wear helmets in Panjim followed by some major junctions in Bicholim where the compliance is recorded between 80 percent and 98 percent. Survey across two main junctions in Mapusa and central locations in Ponda has also showed an improvement. 

The disappointment was however noticeable in the commercial hub of Margao where the compliance percentage is between 44 percent and 56 percent and the least 36.39 percent at Bansai in Curchorem. 

As many as 71,000 two-wheeler riders across different intersections in Panjim, Mapusa, Vasco, Margao, Curchorem, Ponda and Bicholim were covered under the survey of whom 18,199 riders were without helmets. 

DGP Chander said they are happy with the response on the implementation of the helmet rule, however, the department will be stricter where the response to the law is poor. “In the coming days, we will crack down on helmet-less pillion riders but for now our focus is on compliance of the rule by bike riders,” the officer added.  

The police personnel have also been conducting random interviews of the two-wheeler riders on the wearing of helmets both by riders and pillions. 

Interestingly, while many civilians are penalized for not wearing helmets, data for the months from January to October 2018 shows that around 62 police personnel, largely comprising of constables are also imposed fine for the offense.