It is understood that the enforcement cell of the transport department and the traffic police will soon start providing two-hour counseling to the helmetless riders and pillion riders on the importance of helmet wearing before imposing a fine for violating the helmet rule. The counseling will reportedly not be for an individual but to a group of 10-15 offenders and they will be explained the advantage of wearing a helmet, and the fatalities caused due to recklessness and then proceed to impose a fine of Rs. 100.
This is a step in the right direction and needs to be implemented at the earliest given the number of deaths that are taking place on our roads due to head-injuries caused by accidents involving two-wheelers. But the offenders of the helmet rule who have been stopped initially by the authorities will have to wait till 10 to 15 offenders are stopped and then wait for the two hour counselling before they are made to pay the fine and let off. This will take a lot of time for the helmetless rider who could be on the way to work or has an important assignment. Time is precious and the helmetless riders will have to spend a lot of time on the road if apprehended by the cops.
Since many school and college students ride two-wheelers, it would be in the fitness of things for the authorities concerned to have an orientation session on the use of helmets at the various schools and colleges. Such programs could also be held for the staff of private and government offices. Public programs and street-plays, power-point presentation could be another way to create awareness among two-wheeler riders on the importance of wearing helmets.
