Tendulkar urges Nitin Gadkari to act against fake helmet makers
Continuing his campaign for safe two-wheeler riding, cricket icon, and Rajya Sabha MP Sachin Tendulkar has written a letter to Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari seeking action against the manufacturers of low-quality helmets. Highlighting the high rate of accidents involving two-wheeler drivers, Tendulkar said, it is important that these drivers must have original high-quality safety equipment. Here are more details.
A copy of letter written by Sachin Tendulkar
"I am writing you to request your ministry to consider action against helmet manufacturers using low-grade material and selling it with a fake ISI mark. As sportspersons, we understand the importance of using original high-quality safety equipment when we go to play on the field," Tendulkar stated. "The same original high-quality standards need to be maintained when it comes to helmets," he added.
70% people buy fake helmets: Media reports
An active campaigner for road safety, Tendulkar has been routinely seen urging people to use helmets, during traffic signal halts, in social media posts. Citing media reports, Tendulkar said that over 70% of bike riders in India end up buying fake helmets. Reportedly, the government is contemplating penalizing non-ISI or fake ISI marked helmet manufacturers, but nothing concrete has been done till now.
The availability of fake helmets is a danger for riders
"This is an absolutely alarming situation considering two-wheelers accounted for over 30% of road accidents, the highest among all kind of accidents in 2016. The availability of fake helmets is a danger to two-wheeler riders considering that wearing an appropriate helmet improves chances of survival of bikers by 42%," Tendulkar said. He also called for lowering prices of good quality helmets.
Sachin asks for prompt action by Transport Ministry
"I understand that Ministry has been actively working on public safety measures. I would strongly urge your ministry to take strong action against helmet manufacturers that are putting lives of people at risk by using fake ISI marks on low grade, low-quality helmets that will not protect head injuries in an accident," Tendulkar said. "I look forward to your prompt action," he said.
