Jose K Joseph
post news network
Bhubaneswar, July 18: With the traffic police and transport department officials strictly monitoring two-wheeler riders in the capital for compliance with rules on wearing helmets, the use of helmets has increased considerably. But, ironically, most helmets being used by bikers keen on avoiding run-ins with the authorities are of decidedly inferior quality, many of them rip-offs of well-known brands. Such helmets offer low levels of safety and thus dilute the very purpose of wearing helmets, say experts.
After the stringent rule on wearing helmets started being implemented, most two-wheeler riders could be seen buying substandard helmets at roadside shops at prices much cheaper than standard
helmets.
“Helmets available on roadside stalls are very cheap. One can get an attractive helmet for `300, whereas a standard helmet from a company of some repute is available at helmet shops for no less than `700. I thought it was better to buy a helmet, any helmet, in order to avoid paying a fine of `500 to traffic cops for not wearing one,” said Ramakanta Mahapatra, who was buying a helmet from a roadside vendor near Master Canteen Square Sunday.
Although most helmets available at roadside stalls bear the ISI mark, they are often not genuine. These helmets bear fake ISI stickers and do not offer any safety.
Section 129 of the Motor Vehicle Act (MVA), 1988, clearly says every motorcycle rider must wear a protective helmet confirming to the standards of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The rule is, however, not applicable for a Sikh wearing a turban.
A 2010 order of the Supreme Court mandated that two-wheeler makers must sell helmets along with bikes and scooters. However, no two-wheeler dealers in the city follow this order.
“We cannot compel a customer to buy a helmet from us and we cannot sell a substandard helmet at a cheaper price, too. Many of our customers often prefer to buy helmets at low prices,” said Gangan Kumar Swain, a sales executive at leading two wheeler shop at Sahid Nagar.
Bhubaneswar RTO Lal Mohan Sethi said directions have already been issued to all two-wheeler dealers to follow the apex court order. “We will conduct inspections soon. We request the public to use ISI-certified helmets to ensure their safety. Wearing helmets without genuine ISI mark is a violation of the MVA rules,” said Sethi.
