A 26-year-old woman pillion rider from Rivona reportedly died while the scooter rider was injured in a road mishap at Dharbandora late Monday evening. In another instance a woman from Quepem succumbed to injuries five days after a scooter accident reported in Benaulim while she was riding pillion. It must be said that there is a rise in the number of deaths involving pillion riders on two-wheelers. One prime reason for this could be that pillion riders in the state do not wear a helmet. It is mandatory for all riders including pillion riders to wear a good quality BIS-certified helmet while riding on all roads including highways. They should clip it properly and not just keep it on head. As per section 194 D those who do not wear a helmet shall be punishable with a fine of Rs 1,000 and shall be disqualified from holding a license for a period of three months. In case of an accident a pillion rider is equally at risk of suffering head injuries as the rider. In Goa, while there is a crackdown on those riders not wearing a helmet, no action is forthcoming against helmetless pillion riders.
