This is with reference to the news report ' Soon pillion riders will have to wear helmets ; police to launch crackdown' ( TGE April 22) . Once again the Motor Vehicles Act is sought to be implemented to make wearing of a helmet by pillion riders compulsory on Goa roads. This is more of a move to fill up the depleted coffers of the RTO and to harass 2-wheeler riders rather than to save the lives of pillion riders. Can the RTO tell us how many lives they have managed to save after issuing challans to 2-wheeler riders for not wearing a helmet? Has the RTO any control on bikers who violate traffic rules by speeding, overtaking and cutting lanes, besides their screeching horns which are both a nuisance and distraction to other motorists and pedestrians? Had the RTO patrolled the Goa roads regularly and strictly, much of the road accidents involving 2-wheelers could have been avoided. All that is required is strict patrolling by the RTO and imposition of heavy fines for traffic violations.
