PUDUCHERRY: Inspector General of Police, Praveer Ranjan, said wearing of helmets should become a public movement and people should voluntarily accept the rule.
Addressing the gathering at a function organised to flag off a two-wheeler helmet rally to create awareness about its importance, he said, people must understand the importance of wearing helmets and voluntarily follow the rule.
Pointing that the traffic violations by riders were on the rise, he said, as a result fatal accidents are on the rise. This year, 17 two-wheeler riders lost their lives out of the 37 road accident deaths reported, he said.
Referring to traffic violations like speeding, over-loading, driving without carrying proper documents, Praveer Ranjan said the Police Department had collected nearly `20 lakh as fine from the violators.
Pointing out that Puducherry was growing fast as was the vehicle population, he said 10 lakh vehicles were plying on the UT’s roads. This puts pressure on the traffic police, who are struggling to ensure that least discomfort to the people due to the congestion on the roads, he said.
He said, the police department was working with the Transport Department to evolve a comprehensive mobility plan to overcome traffic woes.
Praveer Ranjan said the public should extend their co-operation to the police by following the lane driving and parking vehicles in allotted slots.
Referring to the High Court order directing Tamil Nadu Government to make helmet wearing mandatory, the IGP said Puducherry residents now carry helmet as they have to cross through Tamil Nadu areas to reach some of the destinations.
Later, speaking on the sidelines, he said the helmet rule is in force in Puducherry and efforts will be taken to implement the rule.
Apart from flagging off helmet awareness rally, the IGP inaugurated 7 digital sign boards, which would be placed at important traffic junctions, and also CDs containing traffic rules and violations and helmet rule.
Deputy Inspector General of Police, Kannan Jagadesan, also spoke on the importance of wearing helmet to avoid sudden death due to accidents. Senior Superintendents of Police, Dr V J Chandran, and A K Gawas were present in the function.