TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: On an average, 300 accidental deaths are reported in Goa every year, with most of these fatalities being either two-wheeler riders or pillions. During the first quarter of this year, 49 riders lost their lives compared to 28 deaths during the same period last year.
Accidents involving two-wheelers increased from 753 from January to April 2013 to 852 during the same period this year.
But the Transport Department has still not begun enforcing helmets for pillions in the State and police only enforce the helmet rule on highways. The present move by the department to enforce compulsory wearing of helmets for riders and pillion riders on all State roads from October 2 comes after many such attempts with even one such move by this same government in 2012, when newly elected BJP-government took back its proposal. Meanwhile, the number of accidents has kept on rising. Many ask whether politicians show the will to enforce this or will this attempt too die at the hands of vested interests?
“The main risk factor for motorised two-wheeler users is non-use of helmets and resultant head injuries which are the major cause of death, injury and disability among them,” Director Transport Arun Desai told Herald.
It may be recalled that following series of road deaths and serious injuries, Manohar Parrikar-led government in their very second State Assembly session held in July 2012 had announced compulsory wearing of helmets for riders and pillion riders as per the Central Motor Vehicle Act.
Goa is one of the few states that do not follow the compulsory helmet rule. The deadline was fixed October 2, 2012. But there were protests and the implementation was postponed.
Goa currently enforces helmet compulsion for two-wheeler riders only on highways whereas within the city, helmet wearing is not compulsory. “It was a sudden decision for public to accept and hence there was opposition. We too failed in creating awareness,” Desai admitted, referring to the previous decision.
However, this time a month long awareness drive would be carried out across the State, involving school and college students, panchayats and other local bodies, Desai said. “During a month-long campaign, we will create awareness in this regard…both riders and pillion riders will have to wear helmets failing which they will be issued challans,” he said, adding that the CM himself was of the opinion that public should be made aware about the use and non-use of helmets.
