Helmet rule to be enforced strictly from April 16, says Bapatla SP

Superintendent of Police B. Umamaheswar on Wednesday (April 1) announced that wearing of helmets while riding two-wheelers will be strictly enforced in the district headquarters from April 16 under the “Siro Raksha – Prana Raksha” initiative aimed at reducing road accident deaths.

Launching the programme, the SP said the campaign is intended to protect lives by ensuring head safety, as a majority of fatalities in road accidents involve two-wheeler riders not wearing helmets. He stressed that even a single death in an accident devastates an entire family.

As part of the initiative, the police conducted a massive two-wheeler rally with around 150 personnel in Bapatla town, with the SP himself participating while wearing a helmet. The rally passed through key locations, including Cheeli Road, Municipal Office, Old Bus Stand Centre, Clock Tower Centre, and concluded at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar statue.

The SP said awareness programmes will be conducted from April 1 to 15, giving time for the public and government employees to obtain helmets and driving licences. From April 16, rules will be enforced strictly, starting with police and government staff to set an example.

He also announced plans to introduce a “No Helmet – No Fuel” policy soon, urging public cooperation to curb rising road accidents and ensure safety for all two-wheeler riders.