No one can change behaviour of a human being if no chemical change underneath his own skull takes place’ was once again evident after what proved to be first of its kind of road safety initiative so far in the city!
Though free helmet distribution by City Traffic Police on the first day of second Helmet Week on Sunday saw bikers rushing in to Morhabadi Ground from every possible direction to grab one helmet at no cost. Yet, a large number of them were seen going back with hanging the grabbed brand new helmets in their bike handles, as usual.
Traffic SP Sanjay Ranjan Singh claimed that over 6,500 free helmets were distributed during the drive. However, the noble move appeared to hit badly by the ‘fashion’ and ‘ego’ quotient of those avoiding wearing helmet on daily basis.
Moreover, the venue turned completely chockablock as the policemen deputed to maintain order there were seen involved in helmet rush by hook or by the crook. Dozens of those returning without helmet complained about sheer mismanagement at the venue.
“I came here at little past 8 am. But two of my friends and me didn’t want to become a part of the crowd fighting for one mere helmet. There was no system either and even policemen and others from their own fraternity were busy acquiring as many helmets as they could,” said Dilip Kumar, who had come all along from Dhurwa.
Free helmet distribution was a part of second Helmet Week which was to resume and aimed to ensure that one and all driving their two wheelers abide by the most important safety norm. Under this, a comprehensive drive against those without helmet would be run for a week in the city.
“We will give free helmet after charging fine to those caught without helmet from Monday. We have targeted to distribute 11,000 helmets during Helmet Week including those distributed on Sunday morning,” said Singh. The police are set to start intensive helmet checking drive from now in order to justify the initiative which has not been the case before.
The traffic Police also organised a bike rally in the city with over 5,000 bikers who got the helmet. The rally, flagged off by CM Raghubar Das in presence of DGP DK Pandey, Kanke MlA Jeetu Charan Ram and DC Manoj Kumar, was aimed at spreading awareness among school going teens and others to wear helmet on ride.
CM said at the occasion that that law was equal for everyone and sensing the mindset prevailing also appealed the people not to make helmet wearing a fashion or ego issue. “We all follow traffic rules for the sake of our own life. Every other day we come across news about road accidents. In most of the cases, people die only because they either don’t sport their seat belts in four-wheelers or ignore wearing helmets while being on two-wheelers. You must value your life, as well as of others on road,” said the CM.
He also suggested the Traffic Police to get the mass involved in awareness programmes, as none of them could become successful without public participation. The CM directed the DGP that policemen on bike without helmet must be fined and punished, so that others could carry a lesson.