It is a deadline that keeps on getting postponed but thereseems to be no end to the issue of helmets in Goa.
Days after Transport Minister, Sudin Dhavlikar announced inthe Assembly that helmets will be compulsory for both the driver and pillionriders; the department was forced to announce that it was compulsory only fortwo wheeler drivers to wear a helmet.
But in the face of children, women and elders too ridingpillion, the debate still rages, as Goa government has sought a few more daysto take a final call on helmets for pillion riders.
As of date government is firm on its stand making helmetcompulsory for both riders.
Around 300 people were killed in road accidents in the year2011 in the State. The State has witnessed over 1680 accidents where in around1200 persons were injured for the year 2010. Statistics clearly indicate thataccidents on Goa’s roads are high. In 2005, 3567 accidents took place in theState where in 113 riders and 31 pillion riders lost their life. In 2006 around120 riders lost their lives and 21 pillion riders.
The figures went up in 2007 when 145 riders and 43 pillionriders died.
In 2008, 133 motorcyclist riders and 26 pillion riders dieddue to accidents.
In 2009 and 2010 the state witnessed 145 and 146 ridersdying in road mishaps respectively while 38 pillion riders were killed.
This year till June around 2,399 accidents have taken placeacross the State, where in 74 riders and 19 pillion riders were killed.
Speaking to The Goan, Goa Motorcycle Taxi Riders Association,Suresh Thakur said: “Helmet is compulsory and each individual should use it forhis own good. Not because government, police or RTO wants it but for our ownsafety. We all follow rules”.
“We had requested the government to re-think about makinghelmets compulsory for pillion riders as it will have impact on our business,”Thakur added.
When questioned about helmet for children, Andy Fernandes,who travels by a two-wheeler said: “We have no option. I wear helmet whileriding. If we carry our kids probably they too will have to wear one. But nohelmets for kids are available in the market.”
Roland Martins, Convener Goa scan feels that there was aneed to create awareness about helmet and its impact on everyone. “If a persondies in accident without helmet, the insurance company can refuse to give hisfamily compensation,” Roland warned.
