Should all women two wheeler riders wear a helmet compulsorily?
5 Jun, 2014The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee has reportedly asked the Lieutenant General of Delhi to exempt Sikh women from wearing helmets while they are riding a two wheeler. The Committee has cited a reply obtained under Right to Information (RTI) Act to strengthen their argument. The reply from Delhi Police to an RTI applicant says that no Sikh woman has lost her life in a two-wheeler accident in the last year.
The demand has raised eyebrows with experts pointing out that as pillion, women are more prone to head injuries since a small jerk or pothole may prove fatal especially when they are sitting sideways. The Delhi Commission for Women and traffic police had recommended that helmets should be made compulsory for women. Data showing that over 50 women pillion riders were killed in accidents last year formed the basis of the proposal.
With the death of GP Munde in a road accident, traffic safety has been in the limelight. The data about the persons disabled and the extent of injury in traffic accidents is not easily available. Sketchy data says that every 3.7 minutes, an Indian loses his life in a traffic accident.