New Delhi: In the bid to increase safety of people on the Indian roads, the government has recently cancelled 162 licences of helmet manufacturing companies due to non compliance with the industry standards. As a part of an ongoing national road safety campaign, this step is issued to guarantee the market sale and use of only certified helmets due to rampant misuse of substandard protective gears by motorists and riders. It is reported that such measures present one of the largest actions under this initiative while further actions will be announced in the following days.
162 Licences Revoked to Combat Substandard Helmets
Australia’s Consumer Affairs Ministry on Saturday responded to unsafe helmet issues by saying that it has revoked the licences of 162 helmet manufacturers. This action was preceded by 27 raids by officials on the manufacturers and sellers of non ISI certified helmets which did not conform to the BIS guidelines.
Some previous knowledge with regards to helmet safety standards
This campaign follows a June 2021 Quality Control Order by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, mandating BIS certification for all helmets under the IS 4151:2015 standard. Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare said: “ Helmets save lives only when they are good quality.” It is important to note that Retail Sales Operation will help to protect consumers from buying unsafe helmets.” The crackdown was especially on merchants selling the uncertified helmets common along the roadsides and are very dangerous to the riders.
Verifying Authentic Helmets
In order to educate the consumers, the Consumer Affairs Ministry suggested that buyers should cross cheque the helmet on the basis of BIS care app or online website. It means that district officials have been ordered to consult with local police and BIS officials in order to get to the root of and eliminate the violations after they occur. This endeavour will complement other road safety activities to reverberate its efforts across the country.