Indore (Madhya Pradesh): Since the enforcement of the new helmet rule on August 1, requiring two-wheeler riders to wear helmets while refueling, the entire city has been busy with discussions on road safety.
The importance of wearing helmets becomes evident when one looks at road accident data from the past six months (January to June 2025).
According to traffic department records, two-wheelers were involved in over half of all road accidents reported in the city during this period. What’s more alarming is that more than half of the total fatalities in these accidents were two-wheeler riders.
Additionally, nearly 70% of all those injured were also two-wheeler riders, highlighting their vulnerability and the critical role of helmets in saving lives.
From January to June this year, the city reported 1,879 accidents, of which 1,066 involved two-wheelers, accounting for 57% of the total. In terms of fatalities, 136 deaths were reported, and 71 of the deceased were two-wheeler riders. Meanwhile, 1,011 out of the 1,500 people injured in road accidents were two-wheeler riders.
Additional commissioner of police Manoj Kumar Shrivastava said that the order to provide fuel only to helmet-wearing two-wheeler riders is aimed at raising awareness.
"It is meant to educate people about the safety and benefits of wearing a helmet. It's for their protection against fatal or serious injuries,” he said. “We have stopped issuing manual challans at traffic squares due to the high traffic volume. Now, all challans are issued through the ITMS (Integrated Traffic Management System) for traffic violations.”
Shocking data
In the last 6 months two-wheelers were involved in over half of all road accidents reported in the city. From January to June this year, the city reported 1,879 accidents, of which 1,066 involved two-wheelers, accounting for 57% of the total. In terms of fatalities, 136 deaths were reported, and 71 of the deceased were two-wheeler riders. Meanwhile, 1,011 out of the 1,500 people injured in road accidents were two-wheeler riders.
"Appropriate action will be taken for violations"
Manoj Kumar Shrivastava, Additional Commissioner of Police, said, “The city reported 136 deaths in road accidents in the past six months, of which 71 were two-wheeler riders. Helmets are crucial for preventing severe head injuries that can lead to death. Some people argue that they ride at low speeds within the city and therefore don’t need helmets. But speed isn’t the only factor, head injuries can occur even at 5 to 10 km/h during an accident. We’ve made helmet use mandatory within our department and appropriate action will be taken for violations.”
"Helmets provide 100% protection"
Dr Ashok Yadav, Superintendent, MY Hospital,said, "Helmets provide nearly 100% protection by preventing head injuries during accidents. In most cases, the cause of death is a head injury, as injuries to the brain or skull is often fatal. People with injuries or fractures in other parts of the body can often be saved, but survival is very difficult in cases involving the brain or skull. People should wear helmets to avoid head injuries and save lives."
