Bike renters providing low-grade helmets: police

the goan I networkrPANAJI rrActing on this observation, the traffic police department has written to the transport department, which is the licensing authority, requesting for necessary directions to be issued to the rent-a-bike operators. rSuperintendent of Police (Traffic) Devesh Kumar Mahla stated, “It is the duty of the rent-a-bike operators to protect their customers. When we challan a rider for not wearing a helmet conforming to the regulations of the Bureau of Indian Standards (ISI marked), the underlying idea is to ensure protection of the head. Sub-standard quality helmets, which are nothing more than plastic caps, are defeating the purpose.” rSection 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, lays down that every person driving or riding otherwise than in a side car, on a motor cycle of any class or description, shall, while in a public place, wear protective headgear conforming to the standards of Bureau of Indian Standards. The Section, however, does not apply to a Sikh wearing a turban. rSP Devesh has urged the rent-a-bike operators to offer not one but two helmets to those renting their bikes. “Let them refuse the second helmet if they don’t have a pillion rider accompanying them,” he suggested adding that such a move will go a long way in boosting road safety on Goan roads. rInterestingly, it may be recalled that the budget for 2017-2018 proposed to lift the moratorium on registration on rent-a-bike or two-wheeler taxis, which reportedly number well over 15,000. The enforcement of road safety regulations and promoting adherence to these as a matter of healthy habit is part of the continuing project initiated by Director General of Police Dr Muktesh Chander for safer Goan roads. rEarlier in the year, while insisting on the correct use of good helmets, DGP Chander had pointed out that failure to wear helmets is among the prime causes of fatal accidents in Goa.