Helmet sale goes up in city

Objective is to bring down number of fatalities in road accidents, say police

Following the recent action of Madurai City police to intensify checks on motorists for violation of the rule mandating wearing of helmets, roadside helmet shops have sprouted in many parts of the city, indicating a considerable increase in the sale of the head gear.

Though the rule for compulsory wearing of helmets was enforced on July 1, 2015, following an order by the Madras High Court, the city police had decided to intensify the enforcement since April 1 as many were found to be flouring the rule.

The police had cited that almost half the fatalities in road accidents in the city in recent times were of those who did not wear a helmet. The objective was not to penalise motorcyclists but to ensure their safety and bring down the number of fatalities in road accidents.

Consequently, as the checks intensified, shops set up along the road near Madurai Corporation building, Mattuthavani bus stand, North Veli Street, Race Course Road, New Natham Road and other places are witnessing brisk sales. Though more people have begun to comply with the rule, a police official, however, said some people had been opting for cheap helmets that did not comply with safety regulations. Buyers of helmets sold on the roadside must verify whether they had genuine ISI certification, he said.