HYDERABAD: TRS MP K. Kavitha has started an online campaign, “Sisters for Change — Gift a Helmet,” for women to safeguard their brothers by presenting them a helmet this Rakhi. She was moved by the number of deaths in two-wheeler accidents to start the campaign. Within hours, her initiative got tremendous response on social media. Appreciating her move, the Hyderabad Traffic Police said the increase of helmet-wearing would drastically reduce fatalities in accidents involving two-wheeler riders.
In the first six months of the year, 595 two-wheeler riders have died in accidents. In mishaps involving four wheelers, 23 casualties were reported. Among all road accidents this year, half the victims were riders of two-wheelers. Ms Kavitha tweeted on Monday, “Anguished by the number of two-wheeler accidents, I would like to make a serious effort to save some lives. Join me in the Sisters for Change — Gift a Helmet drive” (sic).
She added, “Everyday about 400 people die in two-wheeler accidents across the country because they don’t wear helmets. Let’s join hands and set a new trend this Rakhi.” She timed the launch of the campaign with the birthday of her brother, minister K.T. Rama Rao. Mr Rama Rao tweeted in response: “Safety of brothers across India! Now that sounds interesting!”
Ace badminton players Saina Nehwal and Jwala Gutta expressed their support to the campaign. Jwala Gutta told this newspaper, “The initiative will definitely save a lot of lives considering that the number of bike accidents is increasing every year. A helmet definitely is the best gift from a sister to her brother.” A few persons who responded to the campaign criticised the poor condition of roads, saying that when cracks turn into potholes helmets would not be of much help.
Hyderabad Traffic DCP A.V. Ranganath said, "This is a very good move and we welcome it as wearing helmets will drastically reduce fatal accidents. In Hyderabad, two-wheeler riders and pedestrians constitute 90 per cent of the fatalities in road accidents."
