Inferior helmets under scanner

Hyderabad: With the High Court stressing on implementation of the helmet rule and RTA officials mandating the sale of helmets along with two-wheelers, the issue of sub-standard helmets has once again come to the fore.

Officials are working out ways to deal with the multitude of outlets selling sub-standard helmets. While earlier attempts to curb the sale of sub-standard helmets had failed, the traffic police has now suggested implementing the helmet rule in a phased manner to ensure that loopholes are plugged.

“If we do it in a haphazard manner, these problems will continue. Every time the helmet rule was implemented, people raised questions on the availability and quality of helmets. People should realise that the rule is meant for their own safety,” said traffic additional commissioner of police, Mr Jitender.

He said ISI-marked helmets would be available in the market. Even if there is a shortage, it will ease in two to three months.

The market is flooded with helmets costing from Rs 250 to Rs 10,000. The ISI-marked helmets are the standard though several brands without the mark are also available. These are cheaper ones and many riders opt for them ignoring the safety aspect.

“There are no checks on sub-standard helmets in the city. Right now we will ensure that two-wheeler showrooms sell only ISI-marked quality helmets,” said an RTA official.