In view of rising cases of road mishaps, the district transport department has issued a notification making helmets for pillion riders a must. The department has asked police to embark on a drive checking the helmets of riders and pillion-riders too and also ensure that the visor of the head-gears is clean and in good condition. A fine of Rs 500 will be imposed on those found violating the orders.
District transport officer, Dinesh Ranjan said that a notification has been issued in this regard and police have been asked to intensify drive. “This is not a fresh order but in the past too had issued such a notification but now we have asked police to strictly ensure the orders are followed,” he said. He said that the drive started on Monday.
A police official said that considering the rising cases of mishaps taking place the two-wheeler riders will have to wear helmets along with the pillion-rider. They are conducting random helmet checking, and if found any pillion-rider without a helmet, then he or she will have to pay a penalty of Rs 500 as per the provisions of the Motor Vehicle Act. He went on to add that women pillion-riders will also have to follow the rules.
He added that the decision for making the pillion-rider too wear a helmet because the number of pillion-riders falling victim to fatal road mishap in and around the steel city is increasing. The decision to enforce wearing helmet on the pillion-rider is in accordance to the Motor Vehicle Act
Social worker Manoj Mishra said that the checking drive for pillion riders without helmets is a welcome move. Though it has been there in the Motor Vehicle Act (MVI) but we have not been following it strictly as the focus on enforcing wearing of helmets for drivers of the bikes. The pillion riders are also at risk riding without helmets. It is also mandatory in the light of the MVI Act 1928 section 129 which mandates wearing of safety helmets (meeting ISI specification) for both driver and pillion rider.