Mixed Reactions To Compulsory Helmet Rule In City

The enforcement of the helmet and driving license rules came into force from Wednesday in Hyderabad, and there have been mixed reactions from the citizens, especially senior citizens riding two-wheelers.

Despite the warning from the traffic police of heavy penalties for violation, including even jail sentences, there were more violations than compliance on Wednesday. During checks at various points in the twin cities, it was found that there was more helmet-less riders than those who abided by the rule. Many youngsters, including girls, who were either on their way to their offices or colleges, when intercepted by the traffic police, pleaded that they had forgotten to wear the helmets though they had them at their homes.

Many who broke the helmet rule were let off after a challan was issued, with a strict warning that they would be dealt with severely if caught again. Those who rushed to the stores selling the head gear discovered that the prices had been jacked up overnight by the shopkeepers.

While most two-wheeler drivers were not against the helmet rule, they felt that it was also imperative for the traffic police to strictly implement other traffic rules, especially at important junctions. It was argued that the rash driving by the RTC and auto drivers, autos refusing to use meters, the free left rule being violated etc. should also be looked into by the traffic police instead of overzealously focusing on implementing the helmet rule.

As a matter of fact, senior citizens, women and even those riding mopeds wanted to be exempted from the helmet rule as was done in the past. Senior citizens pointed out that the heavy weight of the helmets was only increasing their old age ailments. The general complaint from all was that due to the helmets they were not able to clearly hear the honking of vehicles coming from behind. Some even complained of their vision getting blurred while driving with a helmet on.

The helmet rule has its beneficiaries, too, though - the stores selling helmets. The prices have suddenly skyrocketed. And those without driving licenses are falling pray to touts operating at RTA offices who claim to be able to help get licenses quickly.