The Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari, urged that all two-wheelers sold in India must include two ISI-certified helmets to improve road safety across the country.
Speaking at the Auto Summit in New Delhi, Gadkari emphasized the importance of such a move in light of India's concerning road safety statistics, which show approximately 480,000 road accidents and 188,000 deaths annually.
Two-wheeler accidents account for a significant portion of these fatalities, with over 69,000 deaths each year, half of which are attributed to riders not wearing helmets.
"This is not just a regulation; it's a national need," said Rajeev Kapur, President of the Two-Wheeler Helmet Manufacturers Association of India (THMA), expressing support for the suggestion. The association has committed to increasing production to ensure the availability of quality ISI-certified helmets nationwide.
The suggestion has been particularly well-received by the THMA, which has long advocated for mandatory helmet use. The association emphasized that the measure could significantly reduce fatalities, especially considering that 66% of road accident victims are between 18 and 45 years of age.
India has struggled with road safety issues for decades, with two-wheelers being the most common form of private transport due to their affordability and convenience in navigating congested urban areas. Despite previous attempts to enforce helmet laws at the state level, compliance has remained inconsistent across the country.
Road safety experts have consistently pointed to helmet use as one of the most effective interventions to reduce head injuries and fatalities in two-wheeler accidents. The World Health Organization estimates that proper helmet use can reduce the risk of death by up to 40% and the risk of severe injury by approximately 70%.
The suggestion is currently not binding, but helmet makers are likely to push for the conversion of the suggestion into a concrete law. The move could add Rs 1,600-3,000 to the price of a two-wheeler in India.