1. Wear Seatbelts and Helmets
Road accidents are a serious concern in India.
Every year, thousands of lives are lost on Indian roads due to avoidable mistakes, one of the most common being not wearing seatbelts or helmets.
These two simple safety habits can be the difference between life and death.
Whether you're in a car or on a two-wheeler, your safety gear is your first line of defence. It’s not just about obeying the law, it’s about protecting your future.
Why Seatbelts Matter
Seatbelts are not just for long highway drives. Whether you're driving within the city or on a short trip, wearing a seatbelt:
- Reduces the risk of death by up to 50% in case of a crash
- Prevents you from being thrown out of the vehicle
- Helps you stay in control of the vehicle in an emergency
- Protects passengers from colliding with the dashboard, windshield, or other passengers
Important: As per Indian law under the Motor Vehicles Act, 2019, wearing seatbelts is mandatory for both front and rear seat passengers. Fines for not wearing one can go up to ₹1,000.
Real-World Example
In a 2022 crash on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, a rear-seat passenger who wasn’t wearing a seatbelt was fatally injured, while the front-seat passengers survived with minor injuries, all because they were buckled up.
How to wear seatbelts?
Why Helmets Save Lives
India has one of the largest numbers of two-wheelers in the world, and unfortunately, a high number of fatal road accidents involve bikers. Helmets:
- Protect your head and brain from severe injuries
- Reduce the chance of fatality by over 70%
- Are legally required for both riders and pillion passengers
- Prevent skull fractures, brain hemorrhages, and facial trauma
A helmet isn’t just a formality. Make sure it's ISI-certified, properly strapped, and fits well.
Imagine if the biker wasn't wearing a helmet in this case:
Biker skids and falls hard on Electronics City flyover 🚨 It is unclear what really caused the crash but it looks like the biker applied front brake and crashed
How To Put On And Take Off A Motorcycle Helmet?
India-Specific Challenges
In India, many people still ignore these basic safety measures because of:
- Overconfidence: "I’m just going around the corner."
- Heat or discomfort: Especially in summer, people avoid helmets.
- Lack of enforcement: In some areas, traffic rules aren't enforced strictly.
- Social pressure: Some people feel awkward or embarrassed wearing helmets or seatbelts.
But none of these reasons justify risking your life or someone else’s.
Wearing a seatbelt or helmet takes less than 10 seconds, but not wearing one can cost you your life.
The Dangerous Excuses: “It’s Just Nearby” or “No Police Around”
One of the most common reasons people skip wearing a helmet is the belief that short trips don’t require protection or that they won’t get caught because there’s no traffic police nearby.
But here’s the truth:
- Most accidents happen within 5 km of home. That “quick ride to the shop” is often where crashes occur.
- Traffic police aren’t your only reason to follow rules. Safety should be your motivation, not fear of fines.
- Head injuries don’t wait for long rides. Even a minor fall at low speed can cause serious trauma without a helmet.
A helmet protects you whether or not someone is watching. Your life matters more than a shortcut or a fine.
Make it a habit, not a reaction. Wear your helmet every time, everywhere.
What You Can Do
- Always wear your seatbelt, even in the back seat.
- Never allow anyone to ride a two-wheeler without a helmet.
- Choose helmets that are BIS/ISI-certified and replace them after any major impact.
- Lead by example, your actions influence others.
- Educate friends, family, and especially young riders.
- Encourage pillion riders to wear helmets too, their lives matter just as much.
Common Myths Busted
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| "I’m a good driver, I don’t need a seatbelt." | Accidents aren’t always your fault, others can crash into you. |
| "Helmets are uncomfortable and ruin my hair." | A little discomfort is better than a brain injury. |
| "I’m just going nearby, I’ll be fine." | Most accidents happen within 5 km of home. |
Real life examples
Speed, No Helmet, No Rear View Mirrors, Zapper Tyres, Wet Surface & result… @ChristinMP_ @DriveSmart_IN @skr77s @dabir @Nik_blr @adjust_not @Lutapi_ @RCBengaluru @gokul1701 @arunpoochi @kirankumargoli @kiranurs @ameyapc @abhi_kulkarni85 #RoadSafety
Wrong side riding, no helmet & outcome… @ChristinMP_ @DriveSmart_IN @dabir @Nik_blr @mabhishek242 @sss3amitg @sumanthchandar @kirankumargoli @Lutapi_ @nachiket1982 Gohana Rd. #RoadSafety
It’s disappointing when those meant to enforce the #rules choose not to follow them themselves. @cpwarangal @warangalpolice @HiHyderabad @hydcitypolice
Let’s Make Our Roads Safer
Change starts with awareness and action. Buckling up and wearing a helmet is the easiest way to protect yourself and your loved ones.
- Don’t wait for a close call.
- Don’t assume it won’t happen to you.
- Don’t let others ride unprotected.
Make it a habit. Make it non-negotiable.
Let's try a quiz!
Question 1
Which of the following is legally required while riding a two-wheeler in India?