What’s common between Karwa Chauth and a helmet?
Well, a lot, believes Muzaffarnagar traffic police, which has come up with a unique campaign aimed at ensuring the long life of men — the reason for which women keep Karva Chauth fast.
Striking an emotional chord, the traffic police department has released posters urging women to keep fast, but also gift a helmet to their husbands who drive two-wheelers.
“Women observe the fast of Karwa Chauth for the longevity of their husbands and perhaps helmet could be the best gift for them to ensure their security,” said BB Chaurasia, SP (traffic) and the brain behind the move.
“Helmet as a gift, on the auspicious day, will strike an emotional chord with men who are more likely to start using it,” believes Chaurasia, who has directed cops to place banners on different places to make the initiative a success.
One such banner comes up with a piece of advice, ‘Sar Salamat to Aap Salamat, Aap Salamat to Parivar Salamat.’
“We are also distributing pamphlets to motivate women to persuade their husbands to use helmets,” said the SP, while informing that the drive has been initiated in prominent town and rural areas of the district.
{{/usCountry}}“We are also distributing pamphlets to motivate women to persuade their husbands to use helmets,” said the SP, while informing that the drive has been initiated in prominent town and rural areas of the district.
{{/usCountry}}“While in city banners have been fixed at Mahaveer Chowk, Meenakshi Chowk, Bhagat Singh Road and a few other crowded areas, pamphlets are being distributed in other areas,” said the SP.
Earlier too, the traffic department had initiated drives to make helmet compulsory in the district.
The department observes traffic week and organises many seminars to spread awareness on road safety.
However, as per an estimate, only 10% two-wheeler riders in Muzaffarnagar use helmets.
India accounts for 10% of the global road crash fatalities - with an average of one fatality every 3.5 minutes, one of the highest in the world.