Staff Reporter

Panaji

Stating that over 33% of the road accident fatalities in the state this year have been a result of mishaps involving a single vehicle and most of those who lost their lives were two-wheeler riders or pillion riders, police on Saturday said the helmet rule will soon be enforced also for pillion riders.

Superintendent of Police (SP), traffic, Bossuet Silva said that since January this year, a total of 42 persons have died in single-vehicle accidents and most of them were either two-wheeler riders or pillion riders. Majority of such riders or pillion riders lost their lives due to head injuries, he said and added that none of the pillion riders was wearing a helmet.

“In case of an accident, helmet protects an individual from head injuries. Helmets are to be used for your own safety,” said Silva adding “as per the Motor Vehicle Act, rider as well as the pillion rider has to wear a helmet while
riding”.

He said police will create awareness in this regard and subsequently enforce the rule. He further said that when wearing a helmet, it is also important to use the strap so that the helmet does not fall off.

According to the police, the fine for not wearing a helmet while riding a two-wheeler is Rs 1,000.

Since January this year, road accidents in the state have decreased to some extent, but road fatalities have increased by over 50% compared to the corresponding period last year.

According to police, a total of 127 persons died in road accidents this year till April, while 80 individuals lost their lives in road accidents during the same period last year.

Two-wheeler riders and pillion riders account for 76% of the road fatalities this year with 80 riders, 17 pillion riders, 8 drivers, 14 pedestrians, 3 passengers, 2 cyclists and three others losing their lives in road mishaps in the state.

Police said a total of 982 road accidents have occurred this year till April while 1,027 accidents were reported during the same period last year.