The ‘no helmet, no petrol’ movement is picking up pace. It was started in smaller towns months ago, but now the bigger cities and metros have embraced it, hoping to end fatalities on Indian roads, or reduce the numbers at the very least. Kolkata was the first metro to implement the rule back in early July. Cities like Mumbai and Hyderabad, and the state government of Kerala has now decided to start enforcing this rule. Kerala will first implement the ‘no helmet, no petrol’ rule in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Kozhikode.
So, should Goa start implementing the rule too? It’s no secret that the number of fatalities on Goa’s roads is quite high. Around 6% of accidents in Goa lead to a fatality. Yes, there are alcometers and speed guns but those cannot be the only deterrents since the police cannot be everywhere given their numbers.
With the vehicle population of Goa increasing by over 70,000 vehicles every year, it’s safe to say we have a serious problem. People often counter an argument for wearing helmets with their own about the state of the roads, but that is sadly irrelevant due to the fact that one cannot use one problem to counter a solution to an entirely different problem altogether.
Looking at all the facts, it certainly does make sense for the government of Goa to implement such a rule, but they have backtracked on enforcing helmet rules in the past so will they think of taking such a firm stand?
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Helmets are the best sunscreen, rain coat, hair setter, wind blocker, and of course a life-saver! We need no helmet, no petrol drive especially for those who believe their heads are made of stone, for it is our duty to help guide people who cannot think for themselves.
Axel D’Souza, entrepreneur and singer
Here's what I think: first off, it's sad that people don't understand the value of a helmet until it's too late. While this is a great initiative to encourage people to wear helmets, it feels more like a last resort since they couldn't enforce the rule on the road. What stops someone from taking the helmet off as soon as they've left the petrol pump? It has to be a rule that's enforced and followed through everywhere and at all times
Ayesha Barretto, radio jockey
"Dress for the crash, enjoy the ride", a very important saying once which had a profound impact on me. Whilst not everyone wishes for a misfortune event to occur it's still not in ones control to know what and when happens to you while riding a motorcycle. As a rider a helmet has saved me on two occasions. I think it's a great initiative for petrol associations to take this movement seriously. Also a mandate had to be kept in check to keep in mind the quality of helmets purchased and used with proper ISI mark.
Nolan Mascarenhas, photographer and writer
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