JABALPUR – Petrol will be available only for those two-wheeler riders who wear helmets in select cities of Kerala from August 1. Codenamed “Wear Helmet, Get Petrol, Be Safe“, the project was initially launched on a pilot basis in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kozhikode.
The project will be officially inaugurated by Transport Minister AK. Saseendran at 10 AM in Irumbam BPCL Petrol pump. Local MLA and former Food minister Anoop Jacob will preside over the function.
During the function, riders who visit the petrol pump wearing helmets will be welcomed with sweets by Transport Commissioner Tomin J Thachankary IPS. Alternatively, separate inaugural functions will also be held in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode.
Initial Warnings
During the initial phase, riders who are not wearing helmets will be given warnings and advice by the transport department.
Responding to the media, the transport commissioner revealed that if the concerned person continues to ride without a helmet, the rider will be denied Petrol. However, this will be the last step after several pieces of advice.
Initial Objections
When the transport commissioner initially announced the above project, several politicians raised objections. Many left part workers believed this kind of policy will erode the vote bank. However, the transport minister took a bold stand by giving full support to the commissioner’s order.
Meanwhile, people who are concerned about road safety welcomed the initiative as a bold step in the right direction. According to road safety experts, the project will substantially reduce the alarming rate of road accidents in the state.
The project is created after a series of road accidents, which took the lives of several two-wheelers in India. Nearly 80 percent of riders were not wearing helmets when they met with the accident. This has caused either death or immobility causing serious danger to their lives.
By introducing a unique project like “Wear a helmet, get petrol, be safe”, the transport department is keen to protect the lives of people.
If you wear a helmet, you will get petrol, which ensures ultimate safety for your lives. The sale of helmets skyrocketed after the project was announced nearly two months back.
Previous Road Safety Orders
During the previous Congress rule in Kerala, the then Transport Commissioner, Rishi Raj Singh IPS issued orders to install seat belts on the rear seats of four-wheelers. However, the transport minister at that time issues warnings and directed him to withdraw the order.
In the meantime, people themselves took the initiative and installed seat belts on the rear side. Despite opposition from politicians, Mr. Singh’s order was largely welcomed by all owners of four-wheeler vehicles.