Safety First: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Announces Mandatory Two-Helmet Rule for Two-Wheelers

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): In a significant move to enhance road safety, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has announced that two-wheeler manufacturers must provide two ISI-certified helmets with every vehicle sold. This decision is expected to have a profound impact on reducing the number of road accidents and fatalities in the country. The announcement was made by the Union Minister during an auto summit held in Delhi. According to the new rule, every two-wheeler manufacturer will have to provide two helmets that meet the Indian Standards Institution (ISI) certification. This move is a significant step towards ensuring the safety of two-wheeler riders and pillion riders.

The Two Wheeler Helmet Manufacturers Association (THMA) has welcomed this decision, terming it as a "need of the country." THMA President Rajeev Kapoor said that this initiative will go a long way in preventing road accidents and fatalities. He assured that the association will increase the production of quality ISI helmets and ensure their availability across the country. India witnesses a staggering number of road accidents every year. According to reports, 480,000 road accidents occur in the country annually, resulting in 188,000 fatalities. Notably, 69,000 of these deaths involve two-wheelers, with 50% attributed to not wearing helmets.

Wearing helmets significantly reduces the risk of head and cervical spine injuries, while also protecting eyes from wind and dust. By making helmets mandatory, the government aims to create awareness about the importance of road safety and encourage people to follow traffic rules. This initiative is expected to usher in a new era of safe two-wheeler travel in India. With the government taking proactive steps to enhance road safety, it is hoped that the number of road accidents and fatalities will decrease significantly in the coming years