Over 5,100 govt employees fined in month-long helmet drive

Ahmedabad: More than 5,100 govt employees were penalised during a month-long helmet enforcement drive conducted by Gujarat police in May, with authorities collecting over Rs 16.6 lakh in fines from staff found violating helmet rules.According to data released on Thursday, the special statewide drive carried out between May 1 and 31 resulted in action against 5,123 govt employees who were caught riding two-wheelers without helmets.The enforcement campaign, led by the State Traffic Branch, targeted both riders and pillion passengers and saw police teams conducting checks across cities and districts, including at govt office premises.Overall, the drive led to action against more than 1.88 lakh traffic violators across Gujarat, with penalties exceeding Rs 5.2 crore.Police officials said the initiative was aimed at improving road safety and reducing deaths and serious injuries caused by two-wheeler accidents. Studies of road crashes have consistently shown that wearing helmets significantly lowers the risk of fatal head injuries.Gujarat director general of police G S Malik said the campaign was intended to promote responsible road behaviour rather than merely impose penalties.“Our commitment is to save lives. Riders and pillion passengers should wear helmets, and motorists should use seat belts not out of fear of police action or fines, but for their own safety and the well-being of their families,” Malik said.Although the special drive ended on May 31, police officials said regular traffic enforcement and road-safety awareness campaigns would continue across the state.