Pics: Joshwa D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru/Udupi (JD/HB)

Mangaluru/Udupi, Feb 1: The first day of the implementation of the rule on compulsory helmet for pillion riders raked in Rs 1.85 lac in fines in Udupi taluk and Dakshina Kannada districts.

The police stations under Dakshina Kannada limits registered as many as 1,125 cases and collected fines worth Rs 1,13,900.

Mangaluru

Udupi

In Mangaluru, traffic police from three stations, namely east, west and north, kept a keen eye on riders without helmets. In spite of two weeks of awareness campaigns in the form of banners, bike rallies and programmes in schools and colleges, many riders were found without helmets. In east traffic police station, 250 violators were booked while in traffic west, there were as many as 494 cases. 

Incidentally, the ones who reached their offices by 9 am or so did not face the traffic police as the operation at various junctions of the city started only after 9.30 am. A few were found arguing with the traffic police and some others pleading for extension of grace period. Some of them opposed imposition of the fine stating that they had not read the newspaper, while others questioned the need for compulsion itself, as they have to carry an extra helmet wherever they go. "Moreover, we also have to carry locks for helmets as there are chances of theft," they said.

Most of them were fined Rs 100, and repeat violation in future would invite more penalty. A traffic cop said that only a few who know the value of their lives are wearing helmets. A few wear it only when they see the police and carry them in their hands when no cop is around, he said. One of the traffic cops was seen appreciating and congratulating riders who adhered to the rule.

On the same day, a youngster who met with an accident near Padua is fighting for life in a hospital. According to the police, the injury would not have been so bad if he had worn the helmet instead of carrying it in his arm.

In Udupi taluk, the zones have been divided Udupi city, Udupi traffic police limits, Malpe and Manipal. Under Udupi city limits, 110 cases were booked, under traffic police limits 155 cases, in Malpe 55 cases, among which 15 were front seat riders without helmets, and 137 cases were booked in Manipal. About 40 percent of riders neglected the rule, police sources said while adding that some of the riders tried to escape from the fine.

Altogether 715 cases were booked and Rs 71,500 collected in Udupi district until 8 pm, out of which 457 cases were in Udupi taluk alone. The total collection in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada stands at Rs 1,85,400.

In Udupi, two traffic cops were stationed at important areas like Kalsanka junction, Karavali junction and bus stand. Though helmets have been made mandatory even for children above 12 years, the police were lenient on the first day considering the shortage in helmets in children's sizes.

Police sources said that due to shortage of personnel in the traffic department, it was not possible to keep a look out for violators non-stop. The rule would be enforced more strictly in the coming days as people get used to the helmets, police sources said.