Many Pune Traffic officials flout helmet norm: reveals data 

Several Pune traffic police officers fail to wear helmets when riding two-wheelers in spite of repeated warnings, instructions, and fines from the traffic commissioner’s office.

According to Pune Traffic Police data, in 2023, 2,84,814 challans were issued, and the traffic police officers who were riding without helmets were assessed compounding fees totaling Rs 14,09,25,500.

Two major factors contributing to the trend, according to traffic experts, are a lack of acceptance and a sluggish mindset.

According to a senior Pune Traffic Police official, officers should adopt a different mindset and obey traffic laws just like other drivers, rather than disobeying the helmet rule. They have to realize that it is their safety, not the safety of others, when they wear a helmet. It can spare them brain damage and even save their lives. They are always going after people who don’t wear helmets, including government workers, police officers, and members of the public. They don’t spare anyone, especially their own employees, if they are caught riding without a helmet. In 2024, the traffic police will step up their enforcement of the helmet law.

According to a citizen activist, people should take pride in adhering to the laws that have been made, especially when it comes to wearing helmets. Drivers will follow suit if police officers wear helmets, but that is not the case. Drivers in cities like Pune and Mumbai disagree with the helmet law, arguing that since they can take care of other drivers and themselves to avoid accidents, it shouldn’t be required for short distances like 100 meters. However, if the helmet law is upheld in its entirety, the number of accidents will decrease.