Bhumesh Sharma A helmet is a form of protective gear worn on the head to protect it from injuries. Ceremonial or symbolic helmets without protective function are sometimes used. The oldest known use of helmets was by Assyrian soldiers in 900BC, who wore thick leather or bronze helmets to protect the head from blunt object and sword blows and arrow strikes in combat. In civilian life, helmets are used for recreational activities and sports (e.g., jockeys in horse racing, ice hockey, cricket, and rock climbing); dangerous work activities (e.g., construction, mining, riot police); and transportation (e.g., Motorcycle helmets and bicycle helmets). Two wheelers, the mode of transport the most Indians used, continue to be the most vulnerable to accidents. The latest data released by the Home Ministry revealed that 21% of the road death victims in 2009 in the country were riding two wheelers. Estimates suggests that over 60% of the country’s vehicles are two wheelers. The documents prepared by National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB), revealed that Indians record has worsened that fatalities crossing 1.26 lakhs in 2009 against 1.18 lakhs in 2008. The report mentioned that 4.21 lakh traffic accidents were reported in 2009 which claimed 1,26,896 lives. However, that the report has revealed that the rate of death per 1000 vehicles decreased marginally from 1.5 in 2005 to 1.4 in 2009 even as the number of vehicles accidents increased. All helmets attempt to protect the user’s head by absorbing mechanical energy and protecting against penetration. Their structure and protective capacity are altered in high-energy impacts. Beside their energy-absorption capability, their volume and weight are also important issues, since higher volume and weight increase the injury risk for the user’s head and neck. A motorcycle/scooter helmet is a type of protective headgear used by motorcycle/scooter riders. The primary goal of a motorcycle helmet is motorcycle safety – to protect the rider’s head during impact, thus preventing or reducing head injury or saving the rider’s life. Some helmets provide additional conveniences, such as ventilation, face shields, ear protection, intercom etc. In India the Helmet is mandatory for the driver and the pillion riders of two wheelers. Section 128 & 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act made it compulsory for the driver and pillion rider of two-wheeler motorcycle to wear protective head gear (helmet). The only exception is a Sikh, who otherwise wears turban. According to the provisions of Motor Vehicles Act, every person driving or riding (otherwise than in a side car) on a motor cycle of any class or description shall while in a public place, wear (protective headgear conforming to the standards of Bureau of Indian Standards) Section 128 and 129 of the Act read as:- Safety measures for drivers and pillion riders:- No driver of a two wheeled motor cycle shall carry more than one person in addition to himself on the motor cycle and no such person shall be carried othewise than sitting on a proper seat securely fixed to the motor cycle behind the river’s seat with appropriate safety measures. In addition to the safety measures mentioned in sub-section (1) the Central Government may prescribe other safety measures for the drivers of two-wheeled motor cycles and pillion riders thereon.” The Supreme Court of India has made it mandatory to wear helmet to the driver and the pillion rider. The court has also ordered that the two wheelers will be registered in the RTOs only if the manufacturer will provide “original helmets” at the time of the sale/delivery of the vehicle. The High Court had earlier passed an order in July 2009, making it compulsory for the dealers to provide helmets along with the vehicles. The High Court has also ordered for the helmet to comply the ISI certification, as otherwise people may buy sub-standard cheap helmets just for the sake of rule. In our State J&k, The Empowered Standing Committee is issued strict directions vide order no. 01 of TC of 2011 dated 20-01-2011 to all the dealers of the two wheelers of the State to provide two helmets of ISI marked totally free of cost at the time of sale of the vehicle in the larger public interest to avoid a large number of fatal and other serious accidents. The simple fact is that two wheeler accident deaths could have been avoided if the helmets have been worn by the victims. (The author is a KAS Officer)
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