The death of a traffic investigation wing sub-inspector in a Chennai road mishap because he was not wearing a helmet while riding his two-wheeler not only serves as a warning to all motorcycle and scooter riders but also an example of what little concern there is for a person's own safety. The wearing of helmets is compulsory in Tamil Nadu and the high court has come down on the police for not enforcing the law.
In fact, the police have been put on the mat over the issue even as the number of deaths is rising due to careless bike riders defying the law and not wearing the minimum protection that could save their lives or at least minimise the chances of their having to live the rest of their lives in a vegetative state from head injuries.
It would seem logical that it is in the people's interest to safeguard themselves in a country that has a sizeable proportion of the population commuting on two-wheelers. Should the police be enforcing the law by fining riders? A generally warm and humid climate is not a good enough excuse to warrant people risking their life and limb in chaotic urban traffic conditions by not wearing helmets or seat belts in cars.
