GUWAHATI: A growing number of children in Guwahati are observed riding as pillion passengers on two-wheelers without wearing helmets throwing caution to the winds and raising safety concerns. Many parents and guardians neglect the mandatory use of helmets for their children, thereby exposing them to potential head injuries in the event of accidents. This non-compliance persists despite the Guwahati Traffic Police's directive that both riders and pillion passengers must wear helmets.
Be it a lack of awareness or just plain ignorance, scores of people are seen riding motorcycles or two-wheelers with their children who do not wear helmets.
Talking to GPlus, Anil Kr. Chandra, a resident of Hengrabari said, “I generally do not focus much on it as I am a safe rider and my child finds any kind of helmet very uncomfortable.”
Speaking to GPlus, a resident of Ulubari said, “The helmet use for kids in our home is sporadic. Sometimes we do it, sometimes we do not.”
Manik Gupta, the owner of a bike accessory shop in Ulubari said, “We keep helmets and other safety gear for children on two-wheelers and it is essential that parents focus on it. We urge everyone who has their children riding bikes or scooters to wear proper helmets.”
A senior traffic police official said, "Many awareness programs for road safety in schools are held, ensuring that students learn the importance of these rules. We ourselves also try to be involved and urge people to use helmets whenever we see such violations. But, a lot of it has to come from the side of the parents or guardians."
Wearing a helmet can significantly reduce the risk of fatal injuries during accidents. Authorities also urge parents and guardians to prioritise their children's safety by ensuring they wear properly fitted, standard-compliant helmets while travelling on two-wheelers.
As road accidents remain a leading cause of injuries and deaths, the collective adherence to helmet regulations is essential to safeguard young lives on Guwahati's roads.
