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Helmet mandatory from today
Compulsory helmet seems to be not possible as most of the citizens are not aware of the norm. Even though many two-wheeler riders own helmets, they are not using it for reasons like itching on scalp, hair fall and sweating.N Varaprasad, a teacher, said that wearing helmet has its own disadvantages that also prove fatal. With helmet, he cannot observe vehicles coming from left and right directions
Vijayawada: Compulsory helmet seems to be not possible as most of the citizens are not aware of the norm. Even though many two-wheeler riders own helmets, they are not using it for reasons like itching on scalp, hair fall and sweating.N Varaprasad, a teacher, said that wearing helmet has its own disadvantages that also prove fatal. With helmet, he cannot observe vehicles coming from left and right directions. “Even horn and noise of vehicles approaching are also not audible,” he said.
Many bike riders caught unawares
Earlier, the city police made helmet mandatory. It also successful to a great extent to guide them and sport it at all places. But a single statement of the then Transport Minister Sidda Raghava Rao that it was not forcible measure to wear helmet made all the difference. Majority of bike riders reportedly shunned wearing of helmets and decided to enjoy freedom while driving their vehicles.
Krishna District Collector B Lakshmikantam informed bike riders to ensure wearing a helmet from Friday. Those violating the norm will face penalty of Rs 100. If they violate the rule for the second time, the authorities cancel their driving licence.
Though most of the bike riders have their own helmets, they have to clean them as they gathered dust. “I have to wipe it and keep a hook to hang it from the vehicle,” said K Rama Rao, a trader.
“I have to purchase a helmet on a war-footing to avoid penalty and cancellation of driving licence. But cheapest helmet costs Rs 500. Spending that much of amount is a burden on me as I will receive my salary of Rs 12,000 only after fifth of every month,” laments M Krishna Rao, a painter.
Venkatratnam, an automobile shop owner, who also sells helmets, want bike riders to buy standard helmets which cost more than 1,000. “We sell helmets that have a price tag of Rs 2,400,” he adds.
By Noor Shaik
