GU announces awareness drive, GTU mandates helmet for all
n a move to promote road-safety practices, the office of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) in Gujarat has instructed universitles public and private-in the state to not only encourage but also sensitise students, teachers and staff to wear helmet while riding two-wheelers.
In a letter to education department and vice chancellors of universities in the state on November 18, the varsities have been asked to make helmet compulsory for students, teachers and staff as well as visitors on two-wheelers, both riders and on the pillion.
“In 2023, 7,854 people died in road accidents in the state, 2767 or 35% of people who were not wearing helmets died. Moreover, of those who died, 2082 or 26.50% were of the age below 26. This is very worrisome as the majority of the people affected in this age-group are students,” notes the letter.
Gujarat University and Gujarat Technological University (GTU) have already started efforts to enforce the rule. While GU has issued a circular in this regard and is carrying out an awareness drive, GTU issued a circular in this regard on Thursday.