Implementation soon as govt to strictly enforce provision under law

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday informed the Goa Legislative Assembly that wearing helmets will soon be made compulsory for pillion riders.
MAPUSA
Highlighting the rising number of road accidents in the State, particularly those involving two-wheelers, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday informed the Goa Legislative Assembly that wearing helmets will soon be made compulsory for pillion riders.
Sawant said the Transport Department has already issued a circular on the matter and that strict implementation would begin shortly.
“The law already provides for helmet use by both riders and pillion riders. The government has decided to enforce this provision strictly in Goa,” the Chief Minister said while responding to a question raised in the House.
Raising the issue, Congress MLA Carlos Ferreira drew attention to the increasing incidence of rash driving and two-wheeler accidents in the State. He pointed out that many riders, particularly tourists and visitors from other States, often remove helmets after entering Goa.
“Many people from outside come wearing helmets, but once they reach Goa, they remove them. This has become a serious safety concern,” Ferreira said.
He further explained that in several two-wheeler accidents, the rider is thrown off the vehicle, while the pillion rider often remains entangled and suffers severe head injuries.