Visakhapatnam tightens helmet rules for all two-wheeler occupants

City Police Commissioner Shankabratha Bagchi on Sunday emphasised that wearing helmets is compulsory for both two-wheeler riders and pillion passengers, and stressed that only ISI-certified full-face helmets must be used.

He was speaking at a road safety awareness programme organised by the city police in collaboration with Aap Sabki Awaaz, aimed at promoting helmet usage and adherence to traffic regulations. As part of the initiative, police personnel participated in a citywide bike rally to spread road safety awareness. Helmets were also distributed to Home Guards at the event.

Addressing concerns raised about the requirement for pillion riders to wear helmets, Mr. Bagchi explained that pillion passengers are often more vulnerable during road accidents, as they have little to no time to anticipate or prepare themselves for impact.

The Commissioner highlighted that nearly 45 per cent of road accidents reported in Visakhapatnam involve two-wheelers, and that non-use of helmets remains one of the leading causes of fatalities and serious injuries in such crashes. He also expressed concern over the rising number of teenage deaths in road accidents, noting that many youngsters were losing their lives due to reckless driving and violation of traffic rules.

Mr. Bagchi commended Aap Sabki Awaaz for distributing helmets to Home Guards and noted that the Visakhapatnam Police Commissionerate has extended health insurance coverage of ₹30 lakh to every Home Guard serving in the department.

He further urged members of the NGO to expand their awareness efforts by installing information boards and posters at hospitals, listing details of blood donors and blood banks — resources that could prove vital for tourists and visitors during emergencies or road accidents.

ADCP (Traffic) K. Praveen Kumar and other officials were present at the programme.