Riding Without Helmet? License To Be Suspended For 3 Months, Rs. 1000 Fine: RTA Deputy Commissioner
Wearing helmets is something that should not be asked; rather, it is something that should be done by riders themselves. However, to ensure that everyone wears their helmets no matter what, the Visakhapatnam Road Transport Authorities (RTA) have issued a strict directive regarding helmet usage. Deputy Transport Commissioner G.C. Raja Ratnam has announced that violators will face a fine of Rs 1,000 and a three-month suspension of their driving license if caught without a helmet.
Vizag’s New Rule for Helmets
It has been announced by the Deputy Transport Commissioner that RTA teams will conduct thorough checks in various parts of the city to enforce this rule. As per the RTA, this initiative is part of a broader campaign to curb traffic violations and enhance safety on the roads of Visakhapatnam.
“Checks will be conducted by teams of RTA staff in various parts of the city,” stated Raja Ratnam. He noted that, so far this year, 1,162 cases have been booked for no-helmet driving. The city police have also been actively participating in this campaign.
Ratnam highlighted that the RTA will be conducting regular checks and generating e-challans for offenders. The police reports of Vizag have indicated that there has been an increase in the number of no-helmet driving and triple-riding, particularly among the youth.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
As per the new directive, those riders who are found without helmets will be fined Rs 1,000 and will face a three-month suspension of their driving license. It has been stated that this measure is not just about penalizing violators but also about instilling a sense of responsibility among two-wheeler riders.
With this new rule and its stricter implementation, the RTA hopes that it will help in significantly reducing the number of road accidents and fatalities. Raja Ratnam also reiterated the importance of adhering to traffic regulations and wearing helmets, which are crucial for personal safety.
Is This Rule Fair?
The short answer to this is that it is fair. Now, many people would say that suspending a license over helmets is a little strict. However, many believe that it is a necessary thing to do. Many people in India avoid wearing helmets as the police authorities become very lenient and do not punish those who do not wear helmets.
Now, with this stricter rule and harsher penalty, it will force people to wear this important safety equipment. Generally, people do not adhere to laws if they are not implemented strictly, and if this new rule can create a fear amongst riders to wear a helmet, we believe that’s better for society.
Why Wearing Helmets is Necessary?
At this point, it should not even be a question as to why wearing helmets is necessary. However, for the people who still do not understand this, wearing helmets is one of the most effective ways to prevent serious injuries and fatalities in road accidents.
Helmets have been designed to absorb the impact of a collision. This helps in protecting the rider’s head and brain. Studies have shown that wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by up to 70% and the risk of death by 42%.
Also, in countries with strict helmet laws, there has been a significant decline in motorcycle-related deaths and injuries. Hence, these stricter laws around helmets in India will also help in reducing the number of fatalities. Also, make sure to only buy and wear full helmets and not those half helmets, as they do not help in protection in any way.