The government’s decision to make the helmet compulsory has set the tongues wagging once again. In recent years, the number of two wheelers on the Goan roads has increased while the safety measures have remained the same. Road accidents in Goa have seen an increase to a large extend given the statistic of last year.
It is also worthy to note the attitude of our riders especially the youth and their arrogance on roads has changed a lot causing rash driving and negligence. It is true that not all the deaths are related due to the absence of wearing helmets but this is the least that we can do to prevent head related injuries causing deaths given the pathetic conditions of our roads.
Some may argue that the government should focus on improving the infrastructure first, that may be true but should not be an excuse for not wearing safety gears. All the countries in the West follow strict helmet rule for the rider and the pillion.
The government should also keep in mind that persuasion is more effectual than force and it is by persuading the public through the dangers of not wearing helmets and how we can be a model state to the rest of India should convince the people to wear helmets.
Valent Mascarenhas, Calangute
