29th March 2024
Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, has called for the inclusion of two ISI-certified helmets with every two-wheeler sold in India to improve road safety across the country.
Speaking recently at an event in Delhi, he emphasized the importance of this initiative, given India’s alarming road safety statistics, which report approximately 480,000 accidents and 188,000 fatalities each year.
“A significant number of these deaths, over 69,000 each year, are linked to two-wheeler accidents, with half of these incidents involving riders who were not wearing helmets,” Gadkari told the audience.
“This is not merely a regulation; it is a national necessity,” said Rajeev Kapur, President of the Two-Wheeler Helmet Manufacturers Association of India (THMA), in support of the proposal. The association has promised to increase production to ensure that quality ISI-certified helmets are available throughout the country.
The THMA has welcomed this proposal, as it has long advocated for mandatory helmet use. The association stated that this measure could significantly reduce fatalities, especially given that 66% of road accident victims are between the ages of 18 and 45.
For decades, India has faced road safety challenges, with two-wheelers serving as the most popular mode of private transportation due to their low cost and ease of maneuvering in congested urban areas. Despite previous efforts to implement helmet laws at the state level, compliance has varied significantly across the country.
Experts in road safety have consistently identified helmet use as one of the most effective strategies for reducing head injuries and fatalities caused by two-wheeler accidents. According to the World Health Organization, proper helmet use can reduce the risk of death by up to 40% and the likelihood of severe injury by approximately 70%.
