Now, since non-ISI marked two wheeler helmets have become illegal, the enforcement agencies, including traffic police, have decided to strictly implement the Government directive. The Ranchi traffic police in coming weeks have decided to carry out area specific helmet checking drives against two-wheeler riders wearing non-ISI helmets.
Newly appointed Ranchi Traffic SP, Anjani Anjan said, “Based on the State Government directives the Ranchi traffic police are going to carry out area specific checking drives against two-wheeler drivers who are not wearing ISI helmet.” Anjan also said that actions will also be taken against those roadside vendors selling non-ISI helmets.
Sources said two-wheeler riders to escape traffic cops use helmets, which are cheap and also poor in quality. These helmets available at road side vendors are priced at Rs 150-200. As per State Government directive, two-wheeler riders wearing poor quality helmets which are non-ISI will be fined upto Rs 1,000 or even their driving license will be cancelled. Under Section 194D of the Motor Vehicles Act (amended-2019), action can also be taken with a fine of one thousand rupees and suspension of driving license for three months.
Sources said the traffic police in this connection are also going to carry out an awareness drive. The awareness drive will be at various traffic roundabouts, where people will be informed about various safety provisions of wearing ISI mark helmets.
Sources said the helmet is not only a protective cover for the head, but it is also the criteria for insurance claim in case of an accident. If someone is killed in a bike accident and the relatives of the deceased claim for the sum insured, then the insurance companies also give the claim on the basis of the police supervision report. Insurance companies can also reject the claim if the helmet is not of the prescribed standard.
Meanwhile, commuters have welcomed the new directive. Srijan Kishore, a resident of Kanke road area said, “It is a welcome step that the State Government has made ISI mark helmets mandatory. Many a time people buy helmets which are made up of thin plastic which are not only weak in strength but only serve the purpose of wearing a helmet.” Kishore also said the State Government’s new directive should not be confined to official paper, but the traffic police should run the drive regularly and continuously.