In Karnataka, the use of helmets by those driving two-wheelers has been compulsory since 2006. Does that mean that everybody wears one? Of course not – this is India where often laws are obeyed only if people think that they will be punished for not doing so.
I live outside the city – and rarely see two wheeler riders wearing helmets in this area. As I get closer to the city, the helmets start appearing. Almost everybody wears them in the city centre – in direct correlation to the number of traffic policemen in the vicinity. And also because of the fact that the use of helmets is compulsory only within city limits. Maybe rural heads are stronger!
Why is it so hard for people to understand that the use of helmets is not about obeying some mindless law to avoid a fine, but about potentially saving a life – their own?
Over the years, I have done many stories on helmets. I have often interviewed Professor G. Gururaj of NIMHANS, a person who has tried hard to get people to understand the importance of helmets. Statistics he has shared with me over the years point to a simple truth – so many people have died because of road accidents, who could have been saved if they had only worn a helmet. Most fatalities of two wheeler riders are because of head injuries.
I have asked some riders why they were against helmets. Some of the responses:
“It feels too hot.”
“It spoils my hairstyle.”
“This rule is only made by the government to help helmet manufacturers.”
And one of the most illogical : “I am only going a short distance.”
Because accidents of course only happen if the journey is longer than a certain minimum distance, right? No?
Another strange aspect of it all – the rule only covers the person riding the bike. The pillion rider, the little children clinging on to the adult are clearly not thought to be in any danger.
It may be hot, it may mess up your hair, it may be cumbersome to lug around. But a helmet can quite simply save a life. Yours.
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