Maha to make new license seekers for bikes sign indemnity bond

In order to put a cap on growing road mishaps that occur due to two-wheeler riders not wearing helmets, the state government has decided to make seekers of new licenses to sign an indemnity bond with the Regional Transport Office.
"The Bombay high court had made wearing of helmets compulsory while driving two wheelers. It's the responsibility of government to obey these orders. This is why we have decided to make people sign an indemnity bond with the RTO office when they go there to apply for a driving license. This will take off the blame from authorities and people will be blamed for any mishap that may occur," state Transport Minister Diwakar Raote told PTI today.

The minister said if anybody still refuses to comply with rules, the government may file the contempt of court proceedings against the person concerned or a maximum fine will be imposed on him.
He said the current mechanism would be tweaked appropriately to make existing license-holders responsible for not wearing helmet.
Raote said an awareness campaign on adhering to traffic rules will be soon launched for motorists across Mumbai.
"Zebra crossing is the right of every pedestrian. It is the duty of car drivers to take care that people are able to cross roads safely. But today cars stop right over the crossings. We have been fining such car-owners and explaining to them not to repeat such mistake again," he said.

This campaign will continue for the next one year, he added.