Helmets made compulsory for pillion riders

The Goa Police has issued an order making wearing of helmet compulsory for pillion riders along with the rider. Traffic police has also been ordered to intercept those breaking the law.

The Goa police has intensified its drive to challan those breaking the law. The compulsion regarding helmets for both riders has been implemented as 55 pillion riders have lost their life in various accidents across Goa in the last one and half year.

Statistics released by the police reveal that 228 people lost their life in fatal accidents involving two wheelers in 2016. Till now, in six months this year, 103 riders and pillion riders have died in two wheeler accidents.

"Many of the pillion riders' life could have been saved if they were wearing helmets. We cannot allow such loss of young lives. So we have made helmets compulsory for both," Devesh Kumar, Superintendent of Police for traffic said.

The police also clarified that the helmet should have an ISI certification of safety. Traffic police manning roads have been instructed not to stop any vehicle merely to check documents. They have been guided to halt only those vehicles that are involved in breaking traffic rules.

This instruction has been issued due to numerous complaints that tourists are unnecessarily stopped and harassed by the traffic police. The department has issued orders to conduct a focused drive to curb violations on the road.