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"Congratulations" to MAG (Motorcycle Action Group) for making the motor
cycle helmet law void. Unfortunately the law is not for the benefit of
the Chief Minister, the Transport minister, the police officers who
enforce it or the helmet manufacturer. The law is for the benefit of the
motorcyclist and their precious cargo the pillion passenger (who most
often is the motorcyclist's spouse, child, parent or best friend).
One of the causes for motorcycle accidents is the poor road condition.
True the roads need fixing. But that is all the more important for the
motorcycle riders to wear a helmet. Wearing the helmet is something an
individual can do for himself/herself without relying on road condition
and hazards, someone else's lapse of judgment or weather conditions.
Once one is used to wearing a helmet, the natural habit comes
irrespective of speed or type of road.
Another reason given for not wearing a helmet is the cost and the
irritation of carrying the helmet when not riding. Well, that is the
"price" of riding a motorcycle. Car owners have irritation of tune-ups
and changing oil, tires, windshield wipers or more expensive repairs.
Bus riders have the sacrifice of congestion and waiting for a bus.
Hence law or no law, motorcyclists of Goa PLEASE:
"You have a brain - Protect it".
"Wear a helmet - Your kids need you"
Spouses and mothers insist that your husbands and kids wear a helmet and
so do you if you are a passenger. Friends refuse a ride if you and the
driver have no helmets. The government of Goa should advertise the
number of motorcycle accidents the prior month across the state. The
radio should carry messages advising "voluntary safe and defensive
driving". The post office should stamp the above message on every letter
delivered in Goa. Public education! Regards, GL
