Police drive warns bikers sans helmets 12 May 2009, 0226 hrs IST, TNN
MARGAO: In view of the recent increase in the number of deaths of motorcyclists in road accidents, Goa traffic police have launched a week-long special drive from May 9 to 15 to book cases against those not wearing helmets. The drive is also aimed at creating awareness as most deaths are because motorcyclists do not use any protective headgear. The traffic police said that the fine for not using helmets is just Rs 100, but the drive is more about cautioning motorcyclists about the risk involved in not using helmets. According to SP (traffic) Arvind Gawas, this year more than 50 motorcyclists have already lost their lives which is why the special drive was launched all over the state. He reasoned "Motorcyclists are the most vulnerable road users barring the pedestrians. In the event of an accident, the riders are prone to head injuries, which is why there is compulsory use of helmets for both riders and pillion riders under the Indian law. Non-use of a helmet is punishable under section 129 of MV Act, 1988 and section 273 of Goa motor vehicles rules.'' The drive has yielded results. The Margao traffic cell has so far booked 486 cases in the last three days (till Monday) since the drive started, said traffic PI, P B Shirwaiker. He pointed out that total cases booked for not wearing helmets this year till May 10 was 5,690 compared to 3,933 during the corresponding period last year. The Margao traffic cell has deputed its staff at several points along the state and national highways ---Borim bridge (Raia), Carmel college, Chinchinim junction, Bali (Cuncolim) and Agnel Ashram in Verna. The traffic PI of Vasco, Dharmesh Angle, said his division has deputed personnel at Dabolim, Zuari-Titan junction, Cortalim junction and as two of the staff had gone for training, the Margao division had deputed its staff at Agnel Ashram. Statistics reveal a total of 159 motorcyclists died in road accidents last year, that included 133 riders and 26 pillion riders. Among the 133 riders who died, most died because of head injuries and the incidence of deaths was largely because of not wearing helmets. A total of 122 out of the 133 deaths was because of not wearing helmets. As for pillion riders, all the 26 who died did not wear helmets. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Goa/Police-drive-warns-bikers-sans-helmets/articleshow/4511288.cms
