The use of helmets when riding a 2-wheeler is advisable, but should not be made compulsory. But compulsory use of helmets is no solution to the various other problems. Instead, more emphasis should be given to spreading awareness on the importance of use of helmets to prevent head injuries. As in the case of AIDS, people are made aware of the dreaded disease via various awareness programs and advised preventive measures.
The Government should first focus on the root cause of road accidents – pathetic condition of roads, drunken driving, talking on mobile phone when driving, cattle menace on roads, absence of signals/boards, invisible speed breakers, indiscipline on the road, over speeding, unfit/old vehicles on road, etc. Tackling these issues will help save lot more precious lives then what compulsory use of helmets can do.
Also, compulsory use of helmets will cause lot more inconvenience to the common man. The unique motor-cycle pilot system in Goa will be badly affected as customers will be hesitant to use helmets used by other people.
In Goa, literacy rate being quite high, people definitely understand the need to ensure one’s own safety and hence there is absolutely no need to make the use of helmets compulsory.
Antonio J. Oliveira, Siolim
