"No Helmet, No Petrol": New Rule Set to Transform Road Safety

Lucknow (The Uttam Hindu): The Uttar Pradesh government has introduced a strict "no helmet, no fuel" policy aimed at curbing road accidents and fatalities involving two-wheeler riders. Set to come into effect on January 26, 2025 this new rule mandates that petrol stations across the state will refuse to provide fuel to riders and passengers who are not wearing helmets. Transport Commissioner Brajesh Narayan Singh issued an official directive on January 8, stressing the urgency of this measure due to the alarming number of road deaths attributed to non-compliance with helmet laws.

Reports indicate that approximately 25,000 to 26,000 lives are lost annually in road accidents in Uttar Pradesh with a significant portion involving riders who fail to wear helmets. This policy has received mixed reactions. Some petrol station workers have voiced concerns about potential confrontations with customers when enforcing the rule. However, others view it as a crucial step toward improving road safety. The government has instructed petrol station operators to display clear signage about the new regulation and ensure that functional CCTV cameras are installed to monitor compliance and handle disputes. The initiative is not just about denying fuel to non-compliant riders; it is also about fostering a culture of safety by encouraging helmet use as a vital protective measure, rather than just a legal requirement.

To further promote the importance of helmets, the transport department plans to launch awareness campaigns across various media platforms. Authorities are optimistic that this policy will contribute to a significant reduction in road accidents and instill a sense of responsibility among riders regarding their safety. Uttar Pradesh is not the only state to implement such a rule. Madhya Pradesh was the first to introduce the "no helmet, no fuel" policy in 2015, and it has since been adopted by certain districts in Maharashtra. Other states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Jharkhand and Rajasthan also enforce this regulation to improve road safety. Therefore, in Uttar Pradesh, if you are riding a two-wheeler without a helmet and your bike runs out of petrol you will not be able to refill. The government hopes this new rule will encourage more riders to prioritize safety by wearing helmets while on the road.