Blurb
Commissioner Bhushan Borase announced awareness drives, petrol bunk notices, and strict helmet enforcement, urging riders and pillion passengers to follow safety rules to save lives
BELAGAVI
Belagavi police have launched a strict road safety initiative asking petrol bunk owners not to supply fuel to two wheeler riders who are not wearing helmets. The move is part of a new awareness drive aimed at reducing road accidents and saving lives in the city. The Police Commissioner has officially written to fuel station owners requesting their cooperation in enforcing the “No Helmet No Petrol” rule across Belagavi. Authorities said the decision comes after repeated awareness efforts failed to change the behaviour of many riders who continue to ignore helmet safety rules. Officials highlighted that road accidents linked to helmetless riding have caused serious concern in recent years, with a large number of deaths and injuries reported in the city. Over the past ten years, Belagavi recorded 2,282 accidents involving riders without helmets, leading to 358 deaths and 1,492 injuries, according to police data.
To address this issue, the city police have launched a week long helmet awareness campaign with multiple public programmes and enforcement activities. The campaign began with a bike rally at Rani Channamma Circle led by senior police officers and supported by district administration officials. Police said the drive will include roadside checks, awareness meetings at traffic signals, and special sessions in schools and colleges to educate students. Officials also announced that riders who follow helmet rules will be appreciated as part of the campaign to encourage positive behaviour.
Police Commissioner Bhushan Borase said different activities will be conducted throughout the week to spread awareness and improve compliance among riders. He added that letters have already been sent to petrol bunk owners requesting them not to provide fuel to riders who come without helmets. He urged citizens to understand that helmets protect lives and reduce the risk of fatal injuries during accidents on busy roads. Senior police officials said both riders and pillion passengers must wear helmets as per traffic safety rules to ensure full protection.
The campaign also aims to involve the public, petrol station staff, and students in promoting road safety awareness across the city. Officials said strict monitoring will continue during the campaign period to ensure the rule is properly followed at fuel stations. Police hope that this combined effort of enforcement and awareness will reduce accidents and create a stronger culture of helmet use in Belagavi city. The initiative reflects a firm step by the administration to improve road discipline and protect families from avoidable tragedies on roads.
