The percentage of motorists who use helmets rose from 63 in 2015 to 92 this year. (Photo: Mrugesh Bandiwadekar)

MUMBAI: Mumbai traffic police data revealed that there has been a sharp increase in the percentage of motorists using helmets this year, when compared to data collected in 2015. Only 63 per cent of motorists used helmet in 2015, while the percentage rose to 92 per cent in 2018 so far, said sources.

A senior traffic police official said that the use of helmets has also decreased the number of road-accident fatalities in the city. The fear of being served with an e-challan on being caught on the traffic cameras without a helmet might be one of the reasons of the increased use of it.

An official said that, among the 490 fatalities reported in the year 2017, 38 per cent comprised of motorists including 14 per cent pillion riders, while the 52 per cent comprised of pedestrians, died in road accidents. “The fear of being caught has compelled the motorists to wear helmets. Increased surprise checks, issuance of e-challans and social media campaigns have encouraged motorcyclists as well as the pillion riders to wear helmets. It have been proven that, the wrong method of wearing helmets contributes to fatal road crashes and injuries,” he added

Amitesh Kumar, joint commissioner of traffic police said, “Although wearing helmets properly have been made mandatory as per the Motor Vehicles Act, only one per cent of pillion riders wear helmets in the first place; fewer than one per cent of them strap the helmets properly.”

“I always use a helmet no matter how far I need to go. I am a law abiding citizen, and always try to go by the book”, said Jasper Thomas, a resident of Malad.

Sumeet Kamble, a resident of Dahisar said, “I generally use helmet, but while travelling short distances in the vicinity, I sometimes avoid wearing it and this led me to pay a fine of `200 one day. Since then, I always wear a helmet.”