Bihar: Two-wheeler dealers to give helmets to buyers

PATNA

: With a view to maintaining safety on roads, the state transport department has asked the manufacturers of two-wheelers to give helmets to the customers after they purchase motorcycles and

scooters

.

In a meeting held on Thursday, transport secretary,

Sanjay Kumar Agarwal

, said, “Now, the manufacturers and the dealers of two-wheelers in the state have to provide high quality helmets to their buyers. Those, who do not, will face strict action.”

The transport secretary told all the district transport officers (DTOs) to conduct surprise checks at the shops and showrooms selling vehicles. He also instructed them to hold meetings with the

district road safety

committees and raise awareness about the drive. Besides, he urged motorists and pillion riders to wear good quality helmets while driving two-wheelers.

Laying stress on the importance of wearing helmets, transport minister,

Sheela Kumari

, said, “The absence of helmets increases the risk of death in case of road accidents. As many as 525 people, who were travelling without helmets, lost their lives in 2019 and 347 people in 2020.”

Rule 138 (4) (f) of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 makes it mandatory for manufacturers to supply protective head gears to customers at the time of purchase of two-wheelers.