85% of Two Wheeler Helmets Not ISI Approved

Riding a two wheeler is considered risky for the single reason that the rider is physically exposed to other vehicles on the road. In most cases the only safety accessory that a rider wears is a helmet. The helmet protects people from serious head injuries and are truly life savers.

But what if the only difference between life and death is flawed? The manufacturers of two wheeler helmets have said more than 85% of helmets sold in India do not meet the stringent ISI standards. The shocking revelation by manufacturers themselves shows the dangerous position of two wheeler riders are in.

At a workshop on road safety held in Delhi on Tuesday, Rajeev Kapoor, the managing director of Steelbird Helmets has said there are not more than 100 ISI certified helmet manufacturers while there were thousands of companies that were making helmets without any approval. Most of these helmets are sold on pavements and on highways for throwaway prices.

Two wheeler riders are fooled in to buying such unapproved helmets. These helmets are sub-standard products that are not put through stringent tests to prove their safety. ISI standard helmets are said to be more safer.

Doctors who work in trauma centres say the number of fatal injuries to accident victims riding two wheelers is due to them not wearing helmets. Even if they do wear helmets, most of them are not safe enough. There are many people who just wear plastic hard hats that are claimed to be helmets.

Two wheeler riders must always ensure they wear proper helmets. Saving a few hundred rupees while buying a helmet on the street might one day be a costly decision. The authorities are also to be blamed for such low quality helmets being sold everywhere.

With about 13 million two wheelers being sold in a year, India is a hot market for helmets. Buyers need to have a keen eye while buying helmets. They should ensure they buy them at authorized showrooms and cross check the manufacturers' name before purchasing. Always browse the internet to know the names of manufacturers who build ISI standard helmets.