In a concerning trend for road safety, riding without a helmet has emerged as the most prevalent traffic offence in Srikakulam district, with violations skyrocketing in 2025 despite ongoing awareness campaigns. The police data reveals a stark increase, with more than 43,000 motorists fined last year for neglecting helmet use—a figure that doubles the 20,000 violations documented in 2024.
Fatal Consequences of Helmet Neglect
The absence of helmet usage has had dire outcomes, directly contributing to road fatalities. A tragic example occurred recently when 25-year-old Sai Kumar from LN Peta lost his life instantly after his motorcycle skidded near AB Road; he was not wearing a helmet at the time. This incident underscores the critical importance of protective gear.
Surge in Tipsy Driving Cases
Beyond helmet violations, tipsy driving cases have also seen a dramatic rise. In 2025, such incidents increased to 6,340 from 3,282 in 2024, marking an alarming surge of over 90 percent. The police have taken stringent actions, including sentencing 38 motorists to one to three days in jail and imposing fines of Rs 10,000 each on 286 individuals for drunk driving offences.
Road Crash Statistics and Major Causes
Overall, Srikakulam district witnessed approximately 700 road crashes in 2025, resulting in 266 fatalities. Disturbingly, around 50 percent of these victims were two-wheeler riders. Authorities have identified key factors behind these fatal accidents, including riding without helmets, over-speeding, driving on incorrect routes, and negligent driving at sharp-curve locations.
Enforcement Measures Under MV Act
As per the Motor Vehicles Act rules, helmets are mandatory for all individuals on two-wheelers, encompassing both riders and pillion passengers, with only a few exemptions. Violators face a fine of Rs 1,000. In a bid to enhance compliance, police have escalated enforcement by collecting driving licence details of offenders and forwarding them to the transport department, requesting suspension of licences for repeated violations.
Broader Impact in Andhra Pradesh
The issue extends beyond Srikakulam, with statewide implications. On average, Andhra Pradesh sees at least 2,000 riders and between 900 to 1,000 pillion riders perish in road accidents annually due to helmet non-compliance. Shockingly, over 98 percent of pillion riders in both urban and rural areas of the state flout the helmet rule, highlighting a widespread disregard for safety regulations.
Cost and Benefits of Helmet Use
While a Bureau of Indian Standards-certified helmet ranges in price from Rs 1,500 to Rs 5,000, the investment pales in comparison to the potential loss of life. Police emphasize that wearing helmets and fastening seat belts are proven measures to mitigate fatalities in road accidents. Observations indicate that two-wheeler riders are disproportionately affected in crashes, reinforcing the need for stricter adherence to safety protocols.
