While the law requires every citizen to stand by the rules and wear a helmet when riding a two-wheeler, it is often overlooked or neglected by commuters in everyday life. A new directive by Transport and Road Safety Commissioner, Tomin J Thachankary, is attempting to change that in Kerala.
While the law requires every citizen to stand by the rules and wear a helmet when riding a two-wheeler, it is often overlooked or neglected by commuters in everyday life. A new directive by Transport and Road Safety Commissioner, Tomin J Thachankary, is attempting to change that in Kerala.
From April 1, people who purchase two-wheelers will get complimentary ISI-approved helmets with their vehicles.
Picture for representation only. Source: Flickr
The icing on the cake? They will also receive accessories such as front and rear number plates, rear-view mirror, sari guard, crash guard, and handle grip for pillion riders.
The decision was taken in a meeting of around 50 motorcycle manufacturers on March 29. They have been instructed to not charge people for the accessories. According to an official spokesperson, failure to comply will result in severe penalization and a cancellation of the riders’ licenses. The move is an attempt to reduce the number of fatalities involving bikes in the state. As per official statistics, a little over 20,000 such accidents took place last year with the highest number being recorded in the state capital.
Thachankary added that customers are under no obligation to buy policies from a certain insurance company and dealers cannot pressurize them to do otherwise. The manufacturers were also told to cancel Bluetooth facilities while the vehicle is moving in order to dissuade people from using their mobile phones behind the wheel.
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