Patna: In an effort to reduce road accident fatalities, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) has mandated the use of quality, ISI-marked helmets for all two-wheeler riders and pillion riders. Despite the rule being in effect in Bihar, many citizens continue to ignore it, prompting the state’s transport department and traffic police to intensify their enforcement and awareness campaigns.
According to MORTH, head injuries are the primary cause of death in two-wheeler accidents, and a quality helmet can drastically reduce this risk. The rule is applicable to both the driver and the person riding as a pillion.
Stiff Penalties for Violators
Riding a two-wheeler without a helmet is a punishable offense under Section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act. Violators caught by the authorities face a fine of one thousand rupees, and in some cases, the vehicle can be seized, and the driver’s license can be suspended for up to three months. A separate challan of one thousand rupees can also be issued under Section 194D if the helmet strap is not properly fastened.
District Transport Officer (DTO) Upendra Kumar Pal emphasized the critical importance of wearing a helmet. “Helmets are not just for avoiding challans; they provide great protection from head injuries in accidents,” he said, appealing to all two-wheeler drivers and pillion riders to use only ISI-marked helmets for their safety.
Awareness Campaigns and Enforcement Drives
The traffic police, in collaboration with the Transport Department, are conducting regular enforcement checks and awareness campaigns throughout the state. These efforts include the use of posters, hoardings, public announcements, and social media posts at major intersections to educate the public on the importance of road safety. The ongoing campaigns aim to change behavior and foster a culture where helmets are worn not out of fear of a fine, but out of a genuine concern for one’s own safety and the safety of others.
