Panaji: The Goa traffic police have made helmets mandatory for two-wheeler riders and pillion riders in view of the increasing accidental deaths.
The traffic department has decided to penalise pillion riders and two-wheeler riders found driving vehicle without helmet.
"All two-wheeler riders and pillion riders are appealed to compulsorily wear helmet and fasten the helmet strap while riding the two-wheeler to save their precious lives in event of a motor vehicle accident.
"It must be ensured that the helmet should be of ISI mark," says the circular issued today by Superintendent of Police (Traffic) Devesh Kumar Mahala.
Justifying his orders, Mahala said during the year 2016, out of total 336 persons killed in motor vehicle accidents, 228 were motor-cyclists.
On further analysis it was revealed that of 228 motor-cyclists killed 186 were riders and 42 were pillion riders.
"Likewise, during the year 2017, till May 31, 2017 out of total 103 motor-cyclists killed 90 were riders and 13 were pillion riders," he added.
"Had they worn proper helmets most of the lives could have been saved. It has been noticed that not a single pillion rider wears helmet while riding on a motorcycle.
"As such, henceforth, apart from rider, the pillion rider?shall also be prosecuted for not wearing helmet while riding on a two-wheeler," the circular says.
