PORVORIM: The state government is contemplating making wearing of helmets compulsory for two-wheeler riders on all roads to curb increasing road accidents.
Transport minister Ramkrishna 'Sudin' Dhavalikar said, "MLAs should not complain to me once helmets are made compulsory on all roads in Goa. If all 40 MLAs agree, wearing of helmets can be made compulsory everywhere in Goa," Dhavalikar told the legislative assembly while responding to criticism about a rise in road accidents and the need for better surveillance by traffic cops.
Chief minister Manohar Parrikar supported the transport minister and said he should go ahead with implementing the provision of Motor Vehicles Act that makes helmets binding for riders.
The chief minister suggested that the transport department undertake an awareness campaign before implementing the rule. "People who have brains wear helmet," he said.
Presently, the helmet rule is enforced only on national highways and not on other roads. Transport department had earlier intended to make helmets compulsory on internal roads but had met with opposition from the people.
Some MLAs sought to know whether helmets will be compulsory for pillion-riders as well. Opposition leader Pratapsingh Rane said in Jaipur, Rajashtan, pillion riders too wear helmets and Goa should follow this. Speaker Rajendra Arlekar agreed with this.
The transport minister told the House that 12,506 people had been challaned for traffic rule violations in 2013.http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Govt-mulls-making-helmets-compulsory-on-all-roads/articleshow/39385716.cms
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