There were 194 two-wheeler fatalities this year in the city of Pune in road accidents. Out of that only 1 rider was wearing a helmet.  This alarming fact was shared by the Pune Traffic Police recently.

Data compiled by the traffic police revealed that only one rider was wearing a helmet, while 193 were without helmets among those who lost their lives in two-wheeler accidents in Pune between 1st January to 31st October this year. This data underlines the importance of the use of helmets while riding. The protection that a crash helmet provides can save one’s life. The cost of a quality lid is well worth its price, as life is priceless.

Helmets had been made compulsory in Pune last year in November, though it hasn’t really seen much change in the number of riders wearing lids.  Earlier this year, Tamil Nadu made helmets compulsory across the state, but how easy/ difficult is it to implement something like this remains a big question.

Increasing the percentage of riders with helmets will not happen by just stricter measures by the authorities but also through continuous education programs in schools and colleges, where youngsters are educated in understanding the importance of wearing protective gear.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/194-bikers-died-this-year-only-1-wore-a-helmet/articleshow/50083069.cms