From August 16 to August 30, 24,474 e-challans were issued against people driving two-wheelers without helmets on National Highways and State Highways. Also, an STA official said that a total of 888 vehicles have also been seized for driving without a license.
Big action has been taken in Odisha against those who do not wear helmets on two wheelers. Recently, the State Transport Authority (STA) has suspended the driving licenses of more than 12,000 people who drove their two-wheelers on the highway without helmets. Also, a fine of more than Rs 60 lakh has been collected from such drivers during the two-week special drive.
The authorities issued 24,474 e-challans against people driving two-wheelers without helmets on National Highways and State Highways from August 16 to August 30. Also, an STA official said that a total of 888 vehicles have also been seized for driving without a license.
A total of 12,545 licenses were suspended
Driving without a helmet is one of the leading causes of road accidents and serious injuries across the state, an official said. Last year, around 1,308 people died in road accidents and most of them were not wearing helmets. The STA said that a total of 1,280 people were seriously injured and 747 suffered minor injuries in two-wheeler accidents during this period. “The enforcement team of STA has recovered Rs 63.98 lakh as fine and 12,545 licenses were suspended for riding two wheelers without helmets,” the statement said.
People not wearing highway helmets
Additional Transport Commissioner Lalmohan Sethi said that the purpose of this campaign is to reduce road accidents and prevent deaths during this period. He said, “Due to frequent checking, people are using helmets in urban areas. But unfortunately they are refraining from wearing helmets on highways, where there is a need for more protection.”
Strict action will be taken on drink and drive
The official also informed that the campaign will be conducted at regular intervals throughout the month due to the upcoming festive season. He said, “There will be zero tolerance for violation of traffic rules, drunken driving and others. Strict action will be taken against such people.
