Study shows 57% two-wheeler riders don’t wear helmet; 74% pillion riders also neglect the safety measure
India is among the top countries with alarming high number of death due to road accidents. A significant number among them involve two-wheelers. A study shows 57% of two-wheeler users across the country neglect the necessity of wearing helmets. The number of pillion riders neglecting the safety measure is even higher at 74%.
While the central and state governments have imposed higher fine amount for not wearing helmet apart from running awareness campaign, it seems to have done little to change the negligence of the riders. Not wearing helmet while riding a motorcycle or a scooter is clearly one of the major reasons behind many mishaps across the country. The reasons given by the two-wheeler owners for not wearing helmet are pretty lame.
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Among the two-wheeler owners, 16% don’t wear helmet because they believe they are not required to by the law, while 22% don’t wear it simply due to the force of habit. The study also reveals that 13% don’t wear helmet due to the cost of it, while 29% believe not wearing helmet bring more comfort while riding.
Speaking about the pillion riders, the reasons are also similarly absurd. 23% of the pillion riders believe they face less risk than the rider. The study was conducted by Exide Life Insurance as part of its CSR initiative Helmet Saves to highlight the road safety across the country.
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Several factors including not wearing helmet make riding a two-wheeler as one of the most unsafe modes of transport in the country. In case of an accident, wearing helmet increases the chance of survival for the rider. Not only that, it can help the rider to avoid major injuries as well.
The recent study clearly shows that Indian two-wheeler riders consider wearing helmet is an act of compliance rather than personal safety. Not only the adult riders don’t wear helmet, in many cases they allow the children to ride with them on pillion without a helmet.