Bengaluru police launch drive against sub-standard helmets

In a bid to minimise fatal accidents and ensure safety among two-wheeler riders, Bengaluru Traffic Police, in coordination with Transport Department and Department of Legal Metrology, have launched a drive to contain use of sub-standard helmets.

According to the police, a majority of fatal accidents are attributed to the use of sub-standard helmets. Using helmets ISI marked by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) will minimise fatalities to the maximum extent, a police officer said. As per law, riders, including pillion riders and children, need to wear ISI-marked helmets by BIS.

As part of the drive, cases were registered against two-wheeler riders for using “half helmets” and plastic headgear. Officials of all three departments visited helmet shops, checking their stocks and creating awareness, asking shopkeepers and riders not to compromise on safety.

Notices were issued to several shops selling helmets seeking an explanation on the sale of sub-standard helmets.

A crackdown on roadside vendors selling plastic caps and half-sized sub-standard helmets was also undertaken. “Most of them buy these cheap products and wear them just to avoid being penalised. They, in no way, provide riders any safety,” a police official said.