helmet use

Collaborative governance is the key to improving helmet use. Engage law enforcement, health organizations, manufacturers, and the public to create a supportive ecosystem. Corporates and educational institutes can promote helmet use by mandating helmets and integrating safety education. The government must also ensure standard helmets are affordable and available for both adults and children.

Vietnam's public education campaign combined with strict enforcement successfully boosted helmet use. The campaign even tackled excuses like "it ruins my hair" and "it doesn't match my clothes”. The law also introduced a hefty fine, over 10 times previous penalties, and frequent police checks, ensuring compliance with the law.

A recent CAG study across 11 districts in Tamil Nadu revealed that helmet compliance among children is alarmingly low, even dropping to 0% in some districts. When adults ignore the life-saving importance of helmets, they fail to prioritize safety for their children too. Let’s break this cycle - wear a helmet, and make sure your child does too. 

CAG conducted a helmet-compliance study across 11 districts in Tamil Nadu in November 2024. The findings revealed low adherence, particularly among adults in districts like Chengalpattu and Kanchipuram and negligible compliance among children. This is despite  India reporting over 4.6 lakh road crashes, resulting in 1.68 lakh fatalities (in 2022), and Tamil Nadu consistently topping the list for road crashes from 2018 to 2022.

The government can enhance the availability of child helmets by encouraging manufacturers to boost production, ensuring a greater supply for retailers and increase child helmet usage by offering subsidies, making them more affordable.

Children are classified as Vulnerable Road Users and are at higher risk of serious injury during crashes, making helmets essential even for young riders. Helmets are inexpensive compared to the cost of a vehicle and parents should view them as a long-term investment in their children's safety.

A study by CAG to analyse compliance with helmet and seatbelt rules in Chennai city. It was found that since its 2017 study, more two-wheeler riders and car drivers were complying with the law. However, pillion and passenger compliance is non-existent.