Offenders of Helmet Law in Bangalore: Characteristics and Reasons for Non-Usage

In some low-income and middle-income countries head injuries are estimated to account for up to 88%. According to Indian Motor vehicle act-1988 and the Karnataka motor vehicle rules 1989 every person while driving a motor cycle of any type should wear a protective headgear (Helmet). Though the helmet use has been compulsory for motorcycle riders and pillions in Bangalore city since enactment of mandatory helmet law in 2016, the recent surveys shows that the prevalence of helmet usage remains low, this paper has sought to explore the reasons for non-usage of helmet among the two wheeler users. A total 231 riders were interviewed at randomly selected traffic junctions of the city. Majority of the offenders opined as wearing of helmets hinders their visibility/hearing, hair loss and discomfort to wear. And most of the offenders perceived that helmet was necessary for law purpose and for high speed riding.