Transport dept move making helmets must for women, cleared

Delhi's Chief Electoral Office today cleared a move of the state government making wearing of helmets mandatory for women two-wheeler riders within the national capital.
Delhi's Chief Electoral Office gave a go-ahead to the state Transport Department's plea to implement the decision here.
Following Lieutanant Governor's approval, Delhi's transport department had sought permission from Election Commission for issuing a gazette notification for the same.
According to Delhi's transport department, a total of 576 two wheeler riders lost their lives in 2012.
In India, altogether 35,767 two wheeler riders, many of them women, were killed in road accidents in 2012.
"The main risk factor for motorised two wheeler users is non-use of helmets and head injuries are the major cause of death, injury and disability among them," the Transport department said in its letter to EC, and sought making the wearing of helmet mandatory by women while driving or riding on two-wheelers.

Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee and other Sikh organizations had opposed the transport department's move and urged Lieutenant Governor not to allow the proposal.