Helmet rule flouted by over 70% of riders across Andhra Pradesh
Despite repeated awareness drives and clear mandates from the Committee on Road Safety and the government, helmet use remains sporadic among two-wheeler users across the state. This negligence contributed to 30–35 per cent of road fatalities in Andhra Pradesh.
Within the Vizag police commissionerate limits alone, over five lakh helmet violations were reported in 2024. Of the 8.72 lakh traffic infractions citywide, 57.6 per cent — more than five lakh — were committed by riders traveling without helmets.
As per Section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, both riders and pillion passengers must wear protective headgear conforming to BIS standards. However, a senior police official noted that widespread disregard for the law continues, placing many lives at risk. On average, the state sees six to eight road crash deaths daily due to non-use of helmets. Ministry data shows 3,042 fatalities among two-wheeler users in 2022 — including 970 pillion riders — for not wearing headgear.
Most of the patients admitted to trauma centres across the state following road crashes were not wearing helmets at the time of the incident. This group comprises both two-wheeler drivers and pillion passengers who failed to wear helmets and consequently sustained serious injuries.
Authorities say only one to two percent of pillion riders in cities such as Vizag and Vijayawada wear helmets despite repeated appeals and warnings. Officials expressed concern over the growing disregard for this vital safety practice.
Stringent enforcement and awareness campaigns have contributed to some drop in primary riders without helmets in Vizag. However, pillion riders seem to be ignoring their safety, which could prove fatal in case of road crashes. Despite the series of awareness campaigns, pillion riders continue to neglect this critical safety measure, said a senior police officer in Vizag.
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