Helmet compulsory for bikers from tomorrow

Police official says Rana says the rule will treat all equally

QUETTA: The traffic police in the provincial capital would be in action from tomorrow (Monday) against the motorcyclists not wearing helmets during their rides.

A statement issued by the authorities on Friday says that it will be compulsory for all bike riders to wear helmets, and in case of violation, the City Traffic Police would take action starting Monday, November 12.

The move came in the wake of a surge in road accidents in the provincial capital. The police have also put up banners at places in the city carrying safety messages and warning to violators.

“Accidents involving motorcycles have increased in Quetta in recent times, and head injuries in such accidents have resulted in deaths,” Police Sergeant Rana Amjad told The Express Tribune.



“Hundreds of new motorcycles enter the streets every month… that’s why the Balochistan government has made wearing of helmet mandatory for motorcyclists,” he added.

Amjad warned, “The law applies to all, whether a government employee or a policeman… and strict action will be taken against violators.”

Despite the introduction of a number of new traffic laws, the provincial capital is among the tops cities in the county in terms of number of accidents. Experts believe lack of awareness of rules has increased traffic-related accidents in the city.

Nadeem Iqbal, a resident of Quetta, says that the authorities have taken a good step, but they must also implement the helmet rule. “Helmet should be mandatory for the pillion rider as well,” he suggests.