Sri Vijaya Puram: In a renewed drive to enforce road safety, the South Andaman District Administration, in coordination with the District Police, launched a strict enforcement campaign targeting two-wheeler riders not wearing helmets.
The campaign, launched under the provisions of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988, aims to reduce fatalities and serious injuries caused by motorcycle accidents, which are on the rise across the Union Territory.
On Day 1 of the campaign, more than 30 challans were issued at multiple checkpoints across the district. Enforcement teams led by Executive Magistrates from the Tehsil and Sub-Divisional offices conducted inspections at key junctions and roads.
“We are not doing this just to punish, we’re doing it to protect,” said an official from the enforcement team. “Wearing a helmet can be the difference between life and death in a crash. The public must take this seriously.”
The Motor Vehicle Act mandates helmet usage for all two-wheeler riders and pillion passengers. Non-compliance invites not only fines but also the possibility of license suspension, and in some cases, legal action under relevant sections of the law.
The enforcement campaign is being complemented by public awareness activities. Officials are visiting schools, colleges, and market areas to sensitize youth and families about road safety norms. Posters and video messages are also being circulated through social media and local media to amplify the message.
Over the next few weeks, the drive will continue and is likely to expand to cover additional violations such as triple riding, rash driving, and underage riders. Officials have also appealed to parents to ensure their children follow traffic rules, especially those riding two-wheelers to school or tuition.
The district administration has urged all residents to view helmet compliance as a civic responsibility, not a burden. They reminded that such laws exist to protect citizens from preventable tragedies and to uphold safety for all road users.
