Special drive against helmetless riders in Odisha: 3333 challans issued, 793 DLs suspended

Cuttack: In the ongoing state wide special drive against riding motorized two-wheelers without wearing helmets on national and state highways, a total of 3333 challans were issued in the last two days, informed the State Transport Authority (STA). Helmet-less driving is a major cause of accidents and grievous injury across Odisha, it added.

The State Transport Authority, in a press release, informed that as many as 3190 riders were issued challan for riding two-wheelers without wearing helmets on National Highway /State Highway by enforcement officers of STA. In the town area 462 riders were issued challans for not wearing helmets. A total of 793 Driving Licenses were confiscated for suspension.

It has been observed that out of the accidents taking place on NH/SH many are related to two-wheeler riders. Due to continuous enforcement activities, people are using helmets in the urban areas but are unfortunately avoiding wearing helmets on highways where protection is much more needed.

As per accident data, a total of 1308 persons, including riders (868) and pillion riders (440) of motorised two-wheelers, were killed in road accidents in the year 2021. Most of them did not have helmets. While 1280 persons were grievously injured, 747 had minor injuries in motorcycle accidents.

According to the Motor Vehicles Amendment Act 2019, riding without helmet attracts a penalty of Rs 1,000. If a person riding pillion is not wearing helmet, then the driving licence of the rider will be suspended for three months and a fine of Rs 1,000 will be imposed against him/her.

The ongoing special drive against helmetless riders which began on May 15 will continue till May 21.