Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has ordered that two ISI-marked helmets be provided for each new two-wheeler sold in India. The order is a reaction to the shocking number of deaths due to road accidents involving two-wheelers.
Speaking to an auto summit in New Delhi, Gadkari highlighted that the decision is important to maintaining the safety of riders and passengers alike. He mentioned that each year, around 69,000 deaths are attributed to two-wheeler accidents and nearly half of these deaths are due to non-use of helmets.
Statistics paint a stark picture: between 2002 and 2023, helmets have saved more than 36,400 lives. Still, road accidents in India are a major cause of death, with approximately 4.8 lakh cases reported annually, resulting in almost 1.88 lakh deaths. Interestingly, young adults between the ages of 18-45 form the majority of fatalities.
The Two-Wheeler Helmet Manufacturers Association (THMA) has welcomed the initiative, which has been campaigning for years to make helmets mandatory. According to experts, making helmets more readily available at the point of sale will go a long way in boosting their use.
As per the new regulation, companies must ensure that the helmets meet ISI standards, prioritizing both safety and quality. Authorities hope that this initiative will not only raise awareness about helmet use but also reduce the staggering number of road casualties in the country.
