(File photo) Helmet rule starts with cops: traffic police have started imposing fine on cops for riding bikes without helmets
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar : Latur police have intensified enforcement of two-wheeler helmet rules, registering 10,977 cases, including 919 fines on Sunday alone, since the district-wide drive began on Sept 1.
Police said the enforcement push is being paired with efforts to promote safe riding practices, rather than relying on penalties alone. Riders should make helmet use a habit, not something they do only to avoid police action,” he said. Tambe said that the police department has been conducting awareness campaigns on helmet use since March including by putting mangled and damaged vehicles on display at multiple public places including in the vicinity of the police stations. “In addition to this, appeals through the media and various awareness initiatives including at the schools and colleges are being carried out to highlight the importance of helmets in reducing the risk of serious head injuries during accidents,” additional SP Mangesh Chavan said.
The crackdown follows sustained awareness campaigns that failed to significantly improve use of helmets among riders, prompting authorities to shift toward stricter on-ground action to curb accidents and fatalities. Latur SP Amol Tambe emphasized that the objective is to reduce deaths in two-wheeler crashes, not just to punish offenders. “Helmet enforcement is aimed at protecting the residents and reducing loss of life in road accidents.
Police authorities said that despite these efforts, the proportion of two-wheeler riders using helmets did not increase as expected, prompting the police to introduce mandatory helmet enforcement in phases from Sept 1. Latur police have issued an appeal asking citizens to wear good-quality helmets every time one travels on a two-wheeler so that in case of any untoward incident, it helps protect against serious head injuries. Stay updated with the latest Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar news.
Police said the focus during enforcement remains both on compliance with traffic rules and creating awareness about road safety. Police have appealed to the riders to treat helmet use as a personal and social responsibility and support the enforcement initiative. Download the TOI App.