While the traffic police is fining people left right and centre under the new Motor Vehicles Act, the police in Gujarat encountered a rather confusing situation. They could not make up their minds on whether to fine a man driving a two wheeler without a helmet or not. The reason? Well, read ahead.?
Zakir Mamon was stopped by the traffic police in Bodeli town in Chhota Udepur district (Gujarat) for not wearing a helmet. In accordance with the new Motor Vehicles Act he was asked to pay the fine, but Mamon in turn presented a problem to the police. He told them that his head-size is too big and that he has not been able to find a helmet ANYWHERE in the market that would fit his head.?
Mamon reportedly said, ¡°I respect the law and I want to follow it by wearing a helmet but I have visited all the shops which sell helmets but could not find any helmet which can fit onto my head. I keep all relevant documents with me but as far as helmet is concerned, I am helpless. I have told the police about my unique problem.¡±
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This is a genuine problem and draws our attention to the fact that may be we need more sizes in helmets as well.?
Mamon has his own fruit shop in Bodeli town and his family members are apparently worried that he might have to cough out money every time he drives a two-wheeler, because of his head size.?
Understanding the situation, Vasant Rathva, Assistant-Sub-Inspector, Traffic Branch of Bodeli town reportedly said, ¡°It is a unique problem and we have not fined him as we understand his issue. He is a law abiding person and keeps all relevant documents while driving.¡±
Gujarat is among those states that has reduced the penalties under the new Motor Vehicles Act. The penalty for not wearing a helmet has been brought down from Rs 1,000 to Rs 500, and a similar reduction has been made for not wearing seat belts.