I am originally from the Netherlands where things like traffic rules are generally followed rigorously. The fines for not wearing a helmet on a motorcycle are pretty steep, while driving a 50cc moped it is 60 euros, while driving a full motorcycle it's 90 euros. Despite the fact that everyone knows that wearing a helmet is an absolute must you'll still find those individuals that do not wear a helmet. When they do get caught you'll find them protesting loudly and crib about how unfair the system is. What they don't realize is how a simple thing like wearing a helmet sends a message about how (ir)responsible they are.
Properly wearing a helmet shows you care, not just about yourself but also about others. It shows responsibility!
Contrast this with India, the great majority does not wear a helmet. I have even had people (friends) argue with me when I told them it doesn't take a SBK to kill yourself, a HH Splendor will do. They say it doesn't go fast enough to do enough damage. Not true, for example in a car, it takes only 40 kmph and no seatbelt to end up with severe head trauma in a collission, perhaps even less. If you can die in a car at that speed, you surely can on a motorcycle.
I really do hope people of all ages do take the time to think about these things. Things like: dying in an accident or killing someone else in an accident. The first affects your loved ones, the second affects the other persons loved ones, your loved ones and you!
As for hearing about young people like Hitesh always invokes a profound sadness in me. Another person with a promising future gone. I hope as people hear about these things, they become less frequent and we see a change in the attitude of people around.
My request to all you: Drive safely and responsibly.
|