Employees at the three petrol bunks that fall under the jurisdiction of the Kannapuram police station in Kannur district of Kerala, refuse petrol to all two-wheeler riders who come in without wearing a helmet. This initiative is a part of the very effective Navjeevan project that is currently under way on a pilot basis in Kannur.





According to reports, about 34% rider deaths in India in 2013 were due to lack of helmets. Additionally, about 40% road deaths and 70% of injuries during road accidents can be reduced if the rule to wear helmets is strictly implemented in every country.





Seeing such statistics, the superintendent of police in the area suggested that they should implement something more powerful than just the fine on being caught without a helmet.





“I thought that we should give it a try and people are really supporting the pilot project here. I got several calls from people thanking me for starting something like this.





The police have also spoken to other petrol stations in the area and they plan to expand the rule to the entire district very soon.



Cops from the Kannapuram police station are also keeping a very close eye on the petrol stations that are a part of the project currently.





“People know that this rule is for their safety only, but they still prefer to ride without helmets. Some ride with the helmet perched on the mirror, others hang it behind the bike but they have to be enforced to do something meant of their own safety. If people understand this, a huge numbers of deaths and injuries due to road accidents can be curbed,” says the sub inspector.



















