AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

NT Bureau
Chennai, May 30:

        The Tamilnadu Two-wheeler Riders' Forum has sought exemption in a few cases on the government order making mandatory wearing of helmet.

        Speaking to reporters here on the PIL which the forum filed in the Madras High Court recently, coordinator of the forum Nimmu Vasanth said, 'medical experts like neurologists and legal luminaries have stated that this government order was violative of fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution of India and also on medical grounds. And continuous use of helmet may result in neurological disorders.'

        Citing statistics, she said the total two-wheeler population in Chennai was 15.19 lakh out of which only 0.18 per cent were injured in road accidents and 0.014 per cent fatal accidents. 'These figures are clear evidence to the fact that the two-wheeler riders are forced to buy helmet just for the advantage of helmet manufacturers,' she added.

        She has further stated in the PIL that people who have given medical proof that they are suffering from cervical spondiltis or any other ailment such as neck pain, tightening of neck muscles can be exempted from wearing helmet.

        All those who wear power glasses can also be exempted, she said.

        Consultant surgeon Dr C L Ashok Kumar said, 'even a minor jerk or fall with the helmet on may result in enormous strain and affects the nerve.

        And most of the two-wheeler accidents are caused due to negligent driving. Moreover, the advocacy of helmet is coming from the people who do not ride two- wheelers,' he added.