'Death toll down after mandatory wearing of helmets': Govt

Chennai, Aug 10: The Madras High Court was today told by the state government that the death toll in mishaps has come down after implementation of its ruling making wearing of helmets mandatory.

When the matter came up before Justice N Kirubakaran, to which Madras High Court Advocates Association prayed for some relaxation, government pleader submitted that the death toll has come down after helmet wearing was made compulsory. The Government Pleader submitted that out of 2,784 accidents in January 2015, the death toll was 599, in February out of 2476 it was 481, in March out of 2542 it was 572,in April out of 2362 it was 543, in May out of 2460 it was 599, in June out of 2510 it was 582 and in July out of 2313, it was 498.

The Judge who recorded the submissions said he would deliver his order on the objections raised by the association and the relaxation sought for on August 19.

On June 8, the Madras High court had directed that two-wheeler riders in Tamil Nadu compulsorily wear helmets from July 1 or risk impounding of their driving license. The court had observed that it was disheartening to note that a number of precious lives are lost due to non-wearing of protective headgear and made it clear that wearing of helmets by two-wheeler riders is a must and documents, including driving license must be impounded in case of failure to do so.

The court had directed the central government, besides the Secretary, Surface Transport Ministry, to direct all states to monitor the compulsory wearing of helmets and take action.

PTI