Headgear For Safety

With the introduction of the Road and Transportation Management Bill-2081, whether pillion riders need to wear helmets has become a topic of discussion once again. As per the proposed law, helmets are mandatory for both the motorcyclist and the pillion rider. The Traffic Management Act has already included this provision. Despite repeated attempts, authorities have failed to implement this rule. This brings forth the most basic question: does the commercial agenda override safety interests in this recent change? 

Advocates state that the provision is essential since a hefty number of motorcycle accident deaths include pillion riders. The traffic police in Kathmandu Valley report that many of the recent two-wheeler accident fatalities involve riders who do not put on headgear for safety. Officials believe that making headgear compulsory for pillion riders will reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries. Advocates of consumer protection ask if the roads of the Kathmandu Valley, where the maximum speed limit is 50 km/h, actually need such requirements. 

Some argue that these provisions will increase the sales of helmets, while others argue that the focus should be directed towards improving the quality of the safety gear, sound road infrastructure, and safety rule implementation, not on the sheer quantity of the helmets. There are incredibly poor-quality helmets selling in the market for as low as Rs. 1200, while better-quality ones sell for anywhere from Rs. 3500 to Rs. 6500, and lofty models fetch prices of Rs. 150,000 or even Rs. 200,000. This raises concerns on the affordability and accessibility, especially for the everyday rider who uses a motorbike as their primary form of transport.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends wearing helmets due to the fact that their use can reduce deaths and serious injuries. Quality helmets are necessary to enhance road safety as part of the United Nations' “Decade of Actions for Road Safety 2021-2030” campaign, which has been ratified by Nepal. While enforcement is crucial, access must be made affordable and accessible at the same time. The data relating to road accidents in Nepal point to the immediate implementation of proper safety protocols. 

As per the records of the Nepal Police, an average of 75 road accidents are reported daily in Nepal, which lead to an average of seven deaths. From mid-December to mid-January 2025, a single month accounted for 2,276 accidents and 197 deaths. This suggests the need for stronger safety measures, including the use of helmets, since motorcycles are involved in 70 per cent of all accidents. Although the aim of the provision is praiseworthy, its success depends on proper enforcement, public awareness, and ensuring helmet quality. 

As ride-sharing services are getting popular, passenger safety should be a matter of concern. The government should adopt a more reasonable solution that focuses on the effective execution of the law. Even though the foremost concern should be within the realm of safety, there also needs to be an assurance that riders and pillion riders alike can afford helmets at fair prices. Failing to do so will give the impression that the attempts being made are those intended to benefit businesses at the expense of showing real concern for public safety.