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Lucknow: There is big news for two-wheeler drivers in Uttar Pradesh. Under the new policy, the UP government has instructed not to give petrol to drivers without helmets. Petrol pump operators have been instructed to strictly follow this rule of ‘no helmet, no oil’. The Uttar Pradesh Transport Department has adopted this policy across the state in an effort to reduce the number of accidents and deaths caused by two-wheelers. Transport Commissioner Brajesh Narayan Singh issued an official letter on January 8, directing petrol pump operators not to give oil to people coming to buy petrol without wearing helmets.
Emphasis on immediate implementation
In a letter sent to the District Magistrates and Divisional Transport Commissioners of all 75 districts of the state, emphasis has been laid on immediate implementation of this instruction. Data has been cited in this letter which shows that a large number of victims of two-wheeler accidents are those who are not wearing helmets at the time of the incident. It also highlights the instructions issued by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath earlier this month while reviewing road safety measures in the state. The Chief Minister had said that 25-26 thousand people die in road accidents in the state every year.
Not wearing helmets is the reason for most deaths
The letter said, “Most of the deaths in road accidents of two-wheeler riders are due to not wearing helmets. The aim of this policy is to save lives and ensure road safety.” Singh said that this initiative was started earlier in Gautam Buddha Nagar district in 2019, but it was not implemented widely. He said that the new directive aims to strictly enforce the rule in all the districts of the state. The Transport Commissioner has also suggested steps to ensure effective implementation of this policy.
Put up boards of ‘No helmet, no oil’
The letter said, “Petrol pump operators should be educated about the relevant provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and Uttar Pradesh Motor Vehicles Rules, 1998. Regular coordination with the police and regional transport offices (RTOs) is essential for the success of this policy. Singh stressed the need to install safety signs at petrol pumps and said boards displaying “No helmet, no oil” should be installed to raise awareness. He said, “Awareness campaigns should be run on a large scale using social media platforms, print and electronic media. These campaigns should emphasize the importance of wearing helmets as a life-saving device and not just as a legal requirement.”
Promote the use of helmets
Law enforcement agencies and administrative officials have been asked to review this policy from time to time to ensure compliance. The letter also urged petrol pump operators to assist in promoting the use of helmets. It says, “Pump workers should strictly follow these instructions and refuse to give fuel to two-wheeler riders not wearing helmets, and also inform the authorities about repeat offenders.” The Transport Department has appealed to the public to wear helmets whenever they go out on a two-wheeler from a safety point of view. Singh said, “The objective of this initiative is to instill a sense of responsibility among drivers and develop a culture of safe behavior on the road.”
