Gandhinagar: Gujarat govt has announced that fines collected from those flouting the helmet rule will be used to support widows of road accident victims. Sources said that the home department will establish a dedicated fund using the fines collected under this innovative approach which aims to create a direct connection between traffic violations and their devastating consequences.
The programme will include several key components. Firstly, the widows will receive monthly financial assistance from the fines collected. Secondly, they will participate in road safety awareness campaigns, sharing their personal experiences to highlight the importance of wearing helmets. The police department will organise regular awareness sessions at schools, colleges, and community centres, the sources said.
According to traffic police data, approximately 70% of two-wheeler riders in Gujarat’s major cities do not wear helmets as a habit. The fine for not wearing a helmet is Rs 1,000 under the Motor Vehicles Act.
Sources close to the development said that local authorities will maintain a database of accident victims’ families to ensure proper distribution of financial assistance.
The scheme will initially focus on major cities like Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, and Rajkot, with plans to expand to other districts gradually. The home department plans to make short documentaries featuring these widows, which will be shown at RTO offices, driving schools, and public places. Additionally, large screens at major traffic junctions will display safety messages and real-life stories of accident victims. The department will also collaborate with NGOs working in road safety to expand the reach of awareness programmes.
The Gujarat high court has repeatedly emphasised strict enforcement of helmet rules. In response, the police department will deploy additional personnel at key locations and use advanced CCTV cameras to identify violators. The state govt will also launch a mobile application where citizens can report traffic violations and access road safety information. Regular workshops will be conducted for two-wheeler riders, emphasising the importance of protective gear and safe driving practices.