Are you wearing a quality helmet while riding your scooter or motorcycle? The safety of two-wheeler riders is of paramount importance, especially in a country like India with some of the most dangerous roads in the world. The Centre is now taking a stand against poor-quality driving helmets, a major cause of road fatalities and head injuries.
India has the highest number of two-wheelers in the world, but unfortunately, it also has a high rate of accidents and fatalities. To address this issue, the union consumer affairs ministry has instructed district magistrates to crack down on vendors selling helmets without the ISI certification, ensuring that riders and pillion passengers have access to safe and reliable helmets.
Data from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways reveal a troubling rise in accidents and fatalities involving two-wheelers. In 2022, there were 63,115 accidents and 25,228 deaths, representing a significant increase from the previous year.
Rise in accidents and fatalities
Road safety expert Prince Singhal emphasizes the importance of using high-quality helmets to prevent injuries and save lives. According to him, sub-standard helmets are a major concern, with almost 50% of helmets currently in use being of poor quality. Community Against Drunken Driving (CADD) is raising awareness about the need for certified helmets and proper road safety measures.
The government’s push for certified helmets for all two-wheeler riders is a positive step forward. Manufacturers and retailers are being urged to comply with quality control orders and ensure that customers have access to safe helmets.
Rajeev Kapur, president of the Two-wheeler Helmet Manufacturers Association, stresses the importance of following the helmet quality control order, 2020. Manufacturers and sellers must abide by the regulations to protect consumers and prevent accidents.
Let’s all take a stand for road safety and ensure that every rider and pillion passenger wears a high-quality, ISI-certified helmet. Together, we can make our roads safer for everyone.
