No Helmet, No Fuel – this bold initiative by the Uttar Pradesh Transport Department aims to significantly reduce road accidents and fatalities involving two-wheelers. Transport Commissioner Brajesh Narain Singh issued an official directive on January 8, mandating fuel stations across the state to deny fuel to riders without helmets, including their pillion riders.
The directive was sent to all 75 district magistrates and divisional commissioners, emphasizing the critical need to enforce the policy. Citing alarming statistics, the letter highlights that a significant number of two-wheeler accident victims are not wearing helmets.
Chief Minister’s Focus on Road Safety
The policy follows Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s directive during a recent review of road safety measures. The CM underscored the need for stricter regulations, revealing that approximately 25,000 to 26,000 people lose their lives annually in road accidents within the state.
“The majority of deaths in road accidents involving two-wheeler riders are due to the non-use of helmets. This policy is aimed at saving lives and ensuring road safety,” stated Singh’s letter.
Previous Attempts and Renewed Vigour
This initiative is not entirely new. It was first introduced in Gautam Buddh Nagar district in 2019 but was sporadically enforced. With this renewed directive, the Transport Department aims to achieve uniform implementation across all districts.
The letter outlines steps to educate fuel station operators about provisions under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and the Uttar Pradesh Motor Vehicles Rules, 1998. Singh stressed the importance of collaboration between police, regional transport offices (RTOs), and other stakeholders to ensure the policy’s success.
Raising Awareness Through Media Campaigns
To make the policy effective, public awareness campaigns are a top priority. Social media, print, and electronic platforms will be used to spread the message. Fuel stations will also display safety signage with prominent boards bearing the slogan, “No Helmet, No Fuel,” to remind riders about the policy.
“Awareness campaigns using social media platforms, print and electronic media must be carried out on a large scale. These campaigns should emphasize the importance of wearing helmets as life-saving devices, not just as a legal requirement,” Singh stated.
Monitoring and Enforcement
Periodic reviews by law enforcement agencies and administrative officials are essential to ensure compliance. Fuel station operators are urged to strictly follow the directives and report repeated violations.
“Pump personnel should strictly follow these directives and deny fuel to two-wheeler riders not wearing helmets while informing the authorities about repeated offenders,” Singh’s letter noted.
Changing Mindsets: Helmets as Life-Saving Shields
The initiative seeks to shift public perception of helmets from being merely a legal obligation to a vital life-saving measure. “This initiative aims to instill a sense of responsibility among riders and to create a culture of safe road behaviour,” said Singh.
By implementing this bold “No Helmet, No Fuel” policy, Uttar Pradesh is taking a significant step towards fostering safer roads and saving countless lives.