Special Drive against Helmetless Riders In Odisha; Check Dates

Cuttack: The State Transport Authority (STA) will launch a two-week-long special drive against helmetless riders on National Highways (NHs) and State Highways (SHs) across Odisha from August 16 to August 30.

“It has been observed that out of the accidents taking place on NH/SH many are related to two-wheeler riders. Due to continuous enforcement activities people are using helmets in urban areas but are unfortunately avoiding wearing helmets on highways where protection is much more needed,” Sanjay Biswal, Joint Commissioner Transport, Road Safety, said in a press release.

As many as 1,308 people, including riders (868) and pillion riders (440) of two-wheelers, were killed in road accidents in 2021. Most of them were not wearing helmet. A total of 1,280 people were grievously injured and 747 suffered minor injuries in accidents involving two wheelers.

Earlier in a crackdown on helmetless riders on NH/SH from May 15 to May 21, officials imposed penalties on 10,661 two-wheeler riders and 2,505 driving licences were suspended. In a special drive conducted on July 30, 1,469 riders were issued challan for helmetless driving and as many as 117 vehicles were seized.