Patna district administration distributes ‘free’ helmets to create awareness

PATNA: The district administration on Monday distributed helmets free of cost to 25 bikers and pillion riders, who were found violating the rules and not wearing the protective headgear. Otherwise, they were liable to pay Rs1000 each as fine.
The initiative was part of a weeklong awareness campaign launched on Monday to make people cautious regarding traffic safety rules. The district administration had also made arrangements for providing on-the-spot insurance papers and pollution under control certificates at the petrol station near income tax roundabout and another petrol station in Rupaspur area.Three more such camps will be set up in the state capital from Tuesday onwards.
Bihar State Road Transport Corporation (BSRTC) and city bus drivers were also imparted training at Bankipore bus stand on how to pick and drop passengers at designated places. They were also warned not to allow more passengers than the capacity of that bus.
Patna divisional commissioner Anand Kishor and district magistrate Kumar Ravi themselves apprised people of traffic rules and regulations on the city roads. Kishor said helmets were given to few riders as a token and focus was mainly on creating awareness about good quality helmets. “Now most of the riders are wearing helmets, there were few pillion riders without helmets. We told them about road safety rules. But more important thing is using a good quality helmet with ISI mark,” Kishor told TOI.
He further said relaxation has been given to people for a week only so that they get all the required documents ready. Another drive will be launched on September 22 to implement the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act. “Impact of first phase of drive can be felt as majority of people are now using helmets and fastening their seat belts,” said Kishor.
Five teams of NCC cadets have also been formed with the target to cover 45 colleges in a day and create awareness among the students.