New Delhi. In recent years, ride-hailing services like Ola, Rapido and Uber have made bike riding a popular option in India. However, a serious problem has emerged among the riders of these services. Many riders are using poor quality helmets. This not only affects their personal safety, but it can also pose a threat to the safety of passengers. The central government has banned the sale of helmets without ISI certification. Despite this, duplicate helmets are being used indiscriminately by Ola, Uber and Rapido bike drivers.
If we talk only about Delhi-NCR, then the number of two-wheelers running in bike taxis is in thousands. In such a situation, bike drivers are putting the lives of customers in danger by violating safety rules.
Giving duplicate helmets to customers
Bike taxi riders themselves wear good quality helmets, but give poor quality duplicate helmets to their customers. These helmets are like a small cap which covers only the upper part of the head. Many times these helmets are without straps and even fall off the head due to strong gust of wind. In such a situation, the safety of customers using bike taxis has become a serious issue.
Use of helmet without ISI mark is illegal
Let us tell you that the use and sale of helmets without ISI mark is banned from May 2022. The Union Transport and Highways Ministry has made strict rules to ban the sale of duplicate helmets, under which there is also a provision for fine. Under the Motor Vehicles Act 1989, if the helmet is not ISI certified, a fine of Rs 1,000 can be imposed on the driver. At the same time, there is a provision of a fine of Rs 1000 for wearing a helmet but keeping the strap open. Thus, if you have a non-ISI marked helmet with the chain strap open, you may have to pay a fine of Rs 2,000.
Duplicate helmets are available for Rs 100
Despite ban on duplicate helmets, they are being sold indiscriminately. Such helmets are available on the roadside for just Rs 80-100. Whereas, the price of a good helmet with ISI mark starts from Rs 550. Section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1998 states, “Every person above the age of four years shall, while driving or riding a motor vehicle of any description, wear a protective headgear conforming to Indian standards and which shall protect the head of the wearer But be tied firmly.”
Tags: Auto News
FIRST PUBLISHED : October 13, 2024, 4:37 PM IST
