Two wheelers in Maharashtra must be sold with a set of two helmets

Maharashtra has made helmets compulsory for pillion riders also and two-wheelers sold in Maharashtra must be sold with a set of two helmets. This is as per the rule of the state transport department. The directive to two-wheeler dealers to sell not one, but two helmets to riders, means the protective head gear would be mandatory for pillion riders as well.
This has been reported in timesofindia.indiatimes.com dated 7 February 2016.

The move has come nearly six years after the Supreme Court had ordered that it is mandatory for dealers to sell two helmets - one for the rider and the other for the pillion. Obviously, pillion riders who do not wear helmets will have to face punishment under the Motor Vehicles Act.
With this new rule coming into force, showrooms that sell two-wheelers will have to deliver vehicles, along with two helmets. The compliance wil be done by the regional transport office (RTO) who will be responsible for checking the sale of the headgear at the time of registration of vehicles.
Under the provisions of Section 129 of Motor Vehicle Act, 1988 -- every person driving or riding (otherwise than in a side car, on a motor cycle of any class or description) shall, while in a public place, wear a helmet conforming to the standards of Bureau of Indian Standards, exception is only for a Sikh wearing a turban.


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

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The Citizen Journalist as a watchman

Yes, this best sums up the work of a CJ. He always keeps his eyes open to happenings around him. Like – when on the road he sees people who flout the basic norms of safety while foot or on vehicles. The regular machinery of the law keeps watch on those who over speed or break traffic rules but to create awareness on safe walking and driving you have to be alert and observe whatever appears to be wrong –

See if the drivers of two wheeler wear helmets, if there is a pillion rider, he or she also should wear the head gear to protect the head in case of accidents – there should not be a third person. The driver must possess a valid driving license as well have all documents related to the vehicle with him.

Check out those driving four wheelers – they must fasten their seat belts; they should have all documents of the vehicle as well the papers and be in possession of valid driving license. They should also have a first aid kit with them.

Watch out for pedestrians – they must use the footpaths or sidewalks, they must cross roads at the designated location identified by the zebra crossings, and they must queue up in an orderly manner at the bus stops. Where there is an encroachment of the footpaths or sidewalks, bring that to the notice of civic authorities. Support your facts with photographs and statements of locals for ore authenticity and better effects.

In case you happen to see any accident taking place, you should not hesitate to offer help. If it pertains to a hit and run case or rash driving, note down the registration number of the vehicle and inform the police.