It is learnt that the Directorate of Transport has directed collectors of both North and South Goa to enforce the ‘No Helmet, No Fuel’ policy at fuel outlets. Fuel outlets are now required to display the ‘No Helmet, No Fuel’ banners. It is pertinent to note that the initiative is not an enforcement order, but an advisory in order to raise awareness about helmet use. The order is aimed at promoting road safety as part of the 13th State Road Week. The questions that arise is whether the enforcement of the policy will be continued after the ‘Road Safety Week’ is over.
The “No Helmet, No Fuel” policy may emphasize the critical role of helmets in protecting lives. However, how effective the policy will be is a matter of conjecture. Is it practical to deny a two-wheeler rider fuel because he/she is not wearing a helmet? After all, the two-wheeler rider is a customer who is paying for the service. The owner of the fuel depot would not want to lose business.
Denying fuel could lead to an altercation between the rider and the fuel station attendant. And what about those riders who are wearing helmets which do not bear the ISI mark? To ensure safety of road users it seems prudent to extend the policy to car drivers as well who should be asked to wear the seat belt, as per traffic rule, before providing the fuel for the vehicle?
