Vashi: The Navi Mumbai’s traffic police supported by Fortis Hospital, Vashi ,Yes Bank and Ford India flagged off the ‘women’s helmet rally’ on Saturday, . As many as 200 enthusiastic women motorcycle riders participated in this initiative aimed at educating public on importance of wearing helmet while riding 2-wheelers.
Arvind Salve, Dy. Commissioner, Traffic Police, Navi Mumbai, Actress Supriya Pilgaonkar, Ms. Namita Vikas, Group President and Country Head Responsible Banking, Yes Bank, Diwakar Mishra, Sales Head Bhavna FORD and Dr. Bipin Chevale, Facility Director, Fortis Hospital, Vashi joined hands to support the case and flagged off the rally from Centre One mall, Vashi.
Addressing the gathering of supporters that comprised of school children and their teachers, college-goers and their professors, senior citizens and over 1000 responsible citizens, Arvind Salve, said, “Two-wheelers are the most convenient and efficient means of travel especially in dense traffic areas, prompting more commuters to opt for this medium. However, two- wheelers account for the most number of road accidents caused due to rash driving. Head injuries forming the single largest reason for a majority of road accident deaths, safe driving methods need to be imbibed young drivers so as to protect one from fatal impacts. Following lane discipline and wearing helmets reduces risk of fatalities to a great extent. This campaign is our effort to inculcate just this”.
As many as 100 enthusiastic women motorcycle riders participated in the rally with an aim to spread message on importance of wearing helmet. For Nidhi Arora, who came along with her toddler son, the rally was to spread message about the importance of pillion rider wearing a helmet. “I am generally the one who drops my kid to school and picks him back from school. I also accompany him to his activities places. In such scenario I always put on a helmet for my child. Today, my kid is aware of basic traffic rules and they both never step out for a ride without their helmets.
Veteran actress Supriya Pilgaonkar, Chief Guest at the event, said, “There couldn’t have been a better occasion than this to send out the message about importance of wearing helmets. While women are generally considered as cautious drivers, they need to understand the importance of wearing helmet while riding their 2-wheelers. Let’s become an inspiration for young drivers who will take forth the habit. This campaign will help educate and reinforce safe driving habits amongst youngsters”.
“Dr Shishir Shetty, Onco Surgeon, Fortis Hospital, Vashi, said, “We see many victims of two-wheeler related road-rash fatalities, with varying degrees of injuries. These fatalities predominantly occur as the rider doesn’t wear a helmet or it isn’t strapped on properly – both of which are very risky. Through this Women’s Helmet Rally, we at Fortis Hospital, Vashi, are attempting to address the issue helmet compliance issue, which will go a long way in saving precious lives. We are thankful to all the citizens who passionately supported us for this cause”.
