KOZHIKODE: With all measures to make riders wear helmets failing, the City Traffic police has initiated a week-long special drive from Friday to curb violators and even plan to extend it if it does not create an impact, traffic officials said. While the number of violators was 71,492 in 2015, this year, up to August, the number is 37,845. “Fines alone are not enough to get riders to wear helmets. They lack awareness and it cannot be inculcated in a single day or even with a fine. Regular classes and awareness campaigns should be given to the violators, who are mostly youngsters, and sometimes even minors. The drive will specially target young riders in the city limit,” said Traffic AC A.K. Babu.
Through the special motorcycle drive, the police also aims at educating youngsters, who take to the road, even before getting a driving licence. The crackdown also would target riders who use extra silencers and those violating speed tracks, said Mr Babu. “The meagre fine of '100 for not using helmets also makes the riders feel ridiculous,” said another officer. However, the Traffic AC said that apart from the fine, two-day classes would also be made compulsory. “The seized vehicles of minors would be taken to the court directly and parents will be asked to appear,” he said.
