85% Riders In Vizag Wear Helmets - Helmet on Every Head or Just Riders?

Visakhapatnam (Vizag) is taking safety on two wheels seriously. The city has seen a remarkable improvement in helmet compliance among two-wheeler riders: a whopping 85%. This significant jump is a positive sign for road safety in Andhra Pradesh and overall reduced casualties.

Several factors have contributed to this success. Stricter enforcement of helmet laws, including hefty fines for violators, has played a key role. Public awareness with examples and testimonials of people who have survived a crash due to helmets has been crucial to creating a much better impact among people. 

Despite the impressive 85% helmet compliance rate among riders in Vizag, the picture remains incomplete without acknowledging the alarming gap in pillion rider safety. Statistics paint a grim reality.  According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, in 2022 alone, Andhra Pradesh witnessed over 2,000 fatalities involving two-wheeler riders and pillion riders who were not wearing helmets. This translates to an average of roughly 6 lives lost every single day.  These numbers underscore the critical need for stricter enforcement and a cultural shift towards mandatory helmet use for both riders and pillion riders.

Unlike riders who usually own their helmets,  many pillion riders make spontaneous trips, and carrying an extra helmet for occasional use might be seen as a logistical burden. Furthermore, in India, motorcycles are often viewed as primarily family vehicles, and the perception might be that short trips within the city don't necessitate the hassle of an extra helmet. This mindset, coupled with the lack of a spare helmet readily available, makes enforcing pillion rider helmet use a more complex situation.

To address this gap, a multi-pronged approach is needed. Continued enforcement efforts focused on pillion riders can deter violations. Public awareness campaigns specifically targeting pillion riders can be delivered through various channels like social media and public signage.

Cheaper helmets might seem to address the accessibility issue, compromising on quality could have disastrous consequences. Substandard helmets, lacking the proper shock-absorbing capacity and strong outer shell, offer little real protection in a crash.  Equipping everyone with a helmet is crucial, but ensuring those helmets meet safety standards is equally important. Striking the right balance between affordability and quality is essential to ensure that that crucial layer of head protection protects riders.

Vizag's success in improving rider helmet compliance is a positive step towards safer roads. By addressing the remaining gap in pillion rider safety, the city can solidify its position as a leader in road safety and serve as a model for other cities in the state.