Lucknow: Cops distribute free helmets, reinforce safety message on Karwa Chauth

Using the emotional and religious appeal of Karwa Chauth - a fast observed by women for their husband’s longevity - Lucknow police reinforced the message of safe driving, distributing free helmets to married couples.

Using the emotional and religious appeal of Karwa Chauth - a fast observed by women for their husband’s longevity - Lucknow police reinforced the message of safe driving, distributing free helmets to married couples on Sunday.  

Emotional appeal-(HT Photo)

Senior superintendent of police (SSP), Deepak Kumar, additional SP (ASP) traffic, Ravi Shanker Nim and ASP (East), Sarvesh Mishra, launched the campaign near Saharaganj mall in Hazratganj.  

Crowd overwhelms cops, flees with helmets

Soon after city cop’s special drive to distribute helmets to married couples got over, a crowd rushed towards the stall set up near Saharaganj mall, to grab the remaining 20-25 helmets. Although senior cops had left the booth by that time, police personnel were still present. “Despite that, these people could not be stopped from running away with helmets,” said an onlooker.

Speaking about the initiative, the SSP said that married women fasted on the day to pray for their husbands’ long life. “A helmet, therefore, would be the best gift for them, ensuring their safety. We thought it would be a good idea to spread awareness in this manner, using a religious and emotional appeal,” he said.  

A stall was set up near Saharaganj mall, where many married couples come for shopping.

Couples who were not wearing helmets were intercepted and fined for violating safety norms, said the SSP. “However, they were also surprised by being given a helmet. The men were asked to follow safety norms and their better halves were appealed to ensure that their husbands wore helmets every time they rode two-wheelers. Nearly, 200 helmets were distributed during the special drive.”  

The SSP added that most of the women promised to make sure their husbands wore helmets whenever they left home on their two-wheelers. They also thanked the police force for the gift of a free helmet.  

A similar campaign was launched during a traffic safety drive at Chinhat intersection. Couples travelling on motorcycles were fined for flouting road safety norms, but were also presented with free helmets. The Chinhat police distributed 10 branded helmets during the drive.