Amidst protests, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah justified compulsory helmet rule for both rider and pillion rider in the State on Wednesday, saying the imposition of rule was based on the Supreme Court order.
He said, “I am fully convinced that people who use social media, especially in the tech-hub of Bengaluru, are very intelligent people. But they accusing my Government that it had enforced this law to help helmet manufacturers is not correct. Such opinion is incorrect and saddens me.”
‘’The helmet rule for pillion is enforced as per the Supreme Court order, which took a wise decision after witnessing more accidents involving two-wheeler riders,’’ Siddaramaiah said in the statement.
‘’Nearly 30 per cent of those who die in road accidents in Karnataka are two-wheeler riders and pillion riders. After studying various reports the apex court had ruled that both riders of two-wheelers have to wear helmets. It should be appreciated and Karnataka Government is committed to implement this order”, he added.
The IT city Bengaluru which has one of the highest number of two-wheelers in Asia ( about fifty lakhs on road) has been riding with many fatal accidents.
‘’If it did not follow the court order, it would amount to contempt. The people should understand that this is in the public interest and cooperate with the Government. I personally appeal to all those who take to two wheeler to wear helmets,’’ Siddaramaiah appealed.
First day of the implementation of the rule on Wednesday thousands of two wheeler riders, carrying pillion without wearing a helmet, were stopped by the traffic police in Bengaluru and were slapped fines up to Rs 500.