Chennai: Helmet shops are witnessing brisk sales after Madras high court directed the state government to make wearing of helmet mandatory for two-wheeler riders. Customers are also making purchases during non-business hours too, said Mohammed F. Barbhaya, a helmet shop owner at Anna Salai. On an average 20 customers visit his shop daily but on Tuesday he had over 30 customers visiting his outlet first half of the day.
“We expect more sales in the coming days,” he said. Imran Khan, worker at Omega Helmets at T. Nagar, said he sold more than 10 helmets on Tuesday as opposed to the average of five. However, roadside vendors selling non-standard helmets have not seen any increase in sales yet. Branded ISI certified helmets saw better sales. Helmet prices range from Rs 450 to Rs 2,000. Most customers opt for low priced ones being warned of safety issue.
“There is no safety awareness among people. They buy helmets only to escape the police,” said Senthil Kumar, sales executive of Life Care helmets shop. He supplies helmets to Sivagangai district where the helmet rule has been strictly implemented.Cap helmets (helmets that do not cover full face) are preferred by customers as they are light-weighted and airy. These helmets are also trendy with women bikers. Marine engineer Charu Narayanan says he is averse to wearing a helmet and has had to pay fines. “I will have to wear a helmet now as I cannot afford to have my license suspended,” he said.
Ramadoss calls for strict enforcement of helmet rule
PMK leader S. Ramadoss has called for a strict enforcement of the Madras HC ruling of mandatory wearing of helmets by two-wheeler riders in the state. “Steps like prohibiting smoking in public places, making wearing of helmet compulsory are lifesaving public health initiatives. But they are not enforced strictly due to the short sightedness of the rulers,” Ramadoss said in a press statement.
“Public may be reluctant to accept these efforts. But the government should not backtrack from implementing it,” he said.Citing examples of Bengaluru as well as Kerala, he said the rule is being successfully implemented in these places because of the determination of the police and administration.
“The government should engage in Information, Education and Communication activities (IEC) and act to change the behavioural pattern of the citizens rather than trying to be punitive, to ensure success of thehelmet program,” he said.
