The Metropolitan Traffic Police Division (MTPD) is set to make helmet mandatory even for pillion riders on two-wheelers.
Chief at MTPD Basanta Panta argued that the new rule has been brought as the rate of road accidents involving two-wheelers is comparatively high and those riding pillion lose their lives due to head injury in such accidents.
"We've mentioned in the Transport Management bill that both the riders traveling on two-wheelers should wear helmets. It will be passed within two to three months and will come into effect within six months," Panta said.
Panta further said that ISO standard helmets should be worn instead of normal helmets. "Nepal Bureau of Standards & Metrology has already outlined the criteria of helmets. We'll move forward as per the criteria," he said. "The criteria is about the external material of helmets, casing structure, audibility of external sounds, lock load and visor quality among others," he revealed.
The Metropolitan Traffic Police Office, Department of Transport Management (DoTM), Consumer Rights Forum, Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and some experts held a discussion some months ago to prepare the criteria.
Panta claimed that there will not be any hindrances in implementing the rule.
"Nothing is bigger than life. We can also bring new technology to hang the helmets. 96 percent of deaths in traffic accidents are that of those riding two-wheelers. The chances of death will be lower if both the riders wear standard helmets," he said.
