Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Helmet rule

The option of not using the helmet, given to women and children riding the pillion in Tamil Nadu, is unfortunate. Pillion riders are more susceptible to injuries in case of accidents.

It has been proved that helmets are life-savers. Why then should implementation of the rule become an issue? I am glad a public interest litigation petition has been filed on behalf of the Accident Victims Association challenging the relaxation of the rule.

Jeevan Kuruvilla,
Vellore

* * *

As a British citizen, and a parent, living in Chennai for over a year, I am saddened by the debate and confusion surrounding helmets. In the U.K., I would be fined and would probably lose my licence if I allowed my daughter to ride in a car without a specialised seat for her age. This precaution, while expensive and often inconvenient, has saved the lives of hundreds of children.

The question every parent must ask himself is: if my child fell off a bike and suffered brain damage or died because he or she was not wearing a helmet, would I be able to live with the guilt and the consequences?

Julian Nicol,
Chennai

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