According to a report, increased awareness increases helmet wearing among children from 28% to 95%.

Despite the fact that the Mumbai Traffic Police (MTP) have begun a strict crackdown on motorists riding without helmets, A nationwide survey conducted by an insurance firm a Health Savings Account (HSA) has revealed that educating children on safe-riding results in an increase in helmet usage not only among children but also among their parents.

The survey, which was done in seven locations, including Mumbai, in 2020-21, revealed that before intervention, just 28% of respondents strapped helmets on their children while riding, but after intervention, the number increased to 95%. Helmet use among parents jumped from 88% to 99%.

As part of Industrial Credit and Investment Corporation of India (ICICI) Lombard's 'Ride to Safety' Campaign, more than 200 awareness sessions were held in schools. Beneficiaries, many of whom belonged to low-income and marginalized neighborhoods, were given child-specific helmets. Following that, 777 families were questioned as part of a survey. According to the survey study, children are disproportionately injured in car accidents as a result of their parent's bad driving habits and a lack of access to inexpensive and high-quality helmets.

"A pillion, unlike a rider, is utterly unconscious of danger, such as a reckless motorist in front of him. When the pillion is a youngster, it is much more critical that he wear a helmet. Motorists frequently place children in the gasoline tank of a motorcycle when they are not wearing a helmet. Mindsets can only be changed through knowledge" , said Ajay Govale, a member of the non-profit United Way Mumbai.

Over 60% of those polled stated their most common two-wheeler journeys with children entailed ferrying them to school or coaching a class. Prior to intervention, 31% of families indicated they couldn't afford a decent quality helmet, and 25% were unaware that helmet use was directly related to road safety.

According to transport campaigner Ashok Datar, simply wearing a helmet is insufficient unless it is of high quality. An industry-approved helmet that is lightweight, protects your head, and absorbs the shock of an accident is required, he stated.

Following intervention, the study found that 93% of children reminded their parents of traffic regulations and safety while riding, and 96% of children helped to spreading road safety knowledge outside the household.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), wearing a clasped helmet can result in a 42% reduction in deaths. Bikers and pillions made almost 49% of those killed on Mumbai roadways in 2020. The Regional Transport Office (RTO) has mandated that vehicle dealers provide two helmets to customers purchasing two-wheelers, one for the rider and one for the pillion.

You might also like