Odisha: 3,333 challans issued against helmetless 2-wheeler riders

Cuttack: In the ongoing state-wide special drive against two-wheeler riders without wearing helmets on national and state highways, a total of 3,333 challans were issued in the last two days. Helmetless driving is a major cause of accidents and grievous injury across the State.

In a statement, the State Transport Authority (STA) said its enforcement officers issued challan to as many as 3,190 riders for riding two-wheelers without wearing helmet on NH/SH. In the town area 462 riders were issued challans for not wearing helmet. 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, the State Transport Authority added.

As per the data on road accidents, as many as 1,308 persons, including riders (868) and pillion riders (440) of motorised two-wheelers were killed in 2021. Most of them were not wearing helmet. While 1,280 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 15.05.22 will continue till 21.05.22.