A month-long helmet enforcement campaign in Gujarat during May saw punitive action taken against more than 1.88 lakh motorists, resulting in fines totaling Rs 5.21 crore. The initiative, known as the ‘Helmet Drive’ and led by Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, aimed to enhance road safety, decrease traffic fatalities, and promote adherence to traffic regulations.
During the campaign, traffic police stationed at government office entrances enforced helmet rules, leading to penalties for 5,123 government officials and employees. Fines amounting to Rs 16.58 lakh were collected from these individuals. Director General of Police (DGP) G.S. Malik emphasized that the primary goal of the campaign was to ensure the safety of all citizens rather than focus on revenue generation through penalties.
Malik stressed the importance of wearing helmets and seat belts for the well-being of families, urging citizens to comply with traffic rules and act responsibly on the roads. He highlighted instances where helmets had saved lives in accidents and urged the public to take road safety seriously as a shared responsibility. Additionally, awareness initiatives were conducted alongside enforcement actions to educate violators on the significance of protective gear.
The campaign underscored the equal application of traffic laws to all road users, including government personnel. It combined enforcement efforts with public awareness programs to increase helmet usage and enhance overall road safety in Gujarat.
