Helmet compliance reaches 88% in Vijayawada

Vijayawada: Vijayawada traffic police have reported an improvement in helmet usage among two-wheeler riders, with nearly 88 percent of commuters now wearing helmets following sustained enforcement and awareness campaigns across the city.According to DCP (Traffic) Sherin Begum SK, nearly 88% of riders in the city are wearing helmets. The compliance figure was assessed through a software-based monitoring system linked to cameras installed on a pilot basis at select locations. The system tracked helmet usage among riders and generated compliance percentages. Officials clarified that the assessment did not cover pillion riders. Though the monitoring process has recently been halted due to technical issues, it is expected to resume once the system is restored.Data from the NTR police commissionerate shows that traffic police issued over 3.53 lakh challans between Jan and May this year as part of ongoing enforcement efforts. Of these, 1.69 lakh cases were booked under A User Charges, while 70,096 motorists were penalised for not carrying valid driving licence or vehicle registration documents. Helmet violations accounted for 60,631 cases during the period. Police also booked 20,943 cases related to irregular or missing number plates and 5,122 cases involving dangerous driving and mobile phone usage while driving.

Traffic police data shows that helmet violations remain one of the most common offences in the city. More than 1.12 lakh helmet violation cases were booked during 2024. Between Jan and May alone, police registered 60,631 helmet violation cases. Officials attributed the current helmet compliance level of nearly 88% to sustained enforcement and awareness campaigns conducted over the past year.As part of its awareness initiatives, the department had also launched the “Clip Movement”, aimed at educating riders about the importance of fastening helmet straps properly.

Officials said a helmet may not offer adequate protection if it is not secured correctly.The traffic wing has also intensified enforcement against drunk driving, speeding, triple riding and underage driving, while continuing awareness programmes in educational institutions and through summer traffic camps. Sherin Begum said parents must play a greater role in preventing minors from operating vehicles without licences.Traffic police are also working with the district administration to improve road safety by addressing accident-prone black spots and implementing measures to regulate speed and improve traffic flow. Officials said road safety requires both strict enforcement and public cooperation, stressing the need for greater traffic discipline among road users.