Helmet Please!!

Helmet Please!!

In a report published by World Health Organization (WHO), every year nearly 1.2 million people die as a result of road crashes. Many more injured and disabled permanently. In many middle income countries like India motorcycles are increasingly common means of transport. Two wheelers make up a large proportion of those killed in road accidents. In 2014, the death toll from two-wheeler casualties was over 151 in Goa. Unlike a four-wheeler, two-wheelers lack physical protection to its rider making them particularly vulnerable to injury in case of a collision.

In India 69% of total number motor vehicles are motorized two-wheelers. Although there is a lack of precise data of motorcycle rider fatalities, in countries like India head injuries are accounted for up to 88% of such fatalities. In contrast, wearing a helmet decreases the risk and severity of injuries by about 72%, a statistic that can’t be ignored.

Head injuries result in higher medical costs, while the disability that results from these head injuries incurs costs at an individual, family and societal level. In addition, the social costs of head injuries for survivors, their families and communities are higher as they require long-term care.

Now as far as the influence of wearing helmets on the economic activity of the state; it is definitely beneficial to the state as well as the citizens. The WHO report also indicates, road users killed in various modes of transport as a proportion of all road traffic deaths is highest in motorized two-wheelers. Places that are tourist attractions (viz. Thailand, Malaysia) show highest figure of two-wheeler deaths, almost 65%. Goa being a tourist destination we must take cognizance of the same. Another reason for tourist destinations being prone to accidents is that the driving/riding under the influence of alcohol is higher. Also implementing the mandatory helmet rule would send a positive message to the tourists in terms of the safety consciousness. Something we admire when of western countries.

There is also a myth that there is no need for helmets at lower speeds. On the contrary, research indicates that most over speeding occurs on artery roads rather than on highways. Besides, helmets help in preventing head injuries which is more frequent in case of minor accidents. There is a tendency of two-wheelers riders to be impatient on the narrower roads; they frequently attempt to make dangerous manoeuvres to overtake other four-wheelers. These overtaking manoeuvres lead to head-on collisions with vehicles in the opposite direction. A helmet would definitely avert major head injuries in case of such a collision.

One of the major irritants of helmet use is its discomfort. However there are solutions to this as well. There are various styles of helmets which offer different protection. The four most common types being: Full-face, Open-face, Half-head and Tropical use helmets. For riders who find the Full-face helmets uncomfortable, the Half-head or Tropical helmets can be perfect alternatives. These are helmets specifically designed for countries with extremely hot and humid climates like Goa. They are half-head helmets with ventilation holes to provide a maximum air flow so as to reduce heat.

The answer to the debate between no helmet and Full-face helmet could be the Tropical helmet.