With road accidents claiming over 1.2 million lives annually, helmet safety has emerged as a crucial global concern. At the 4th Ministerial Conference on Road Safety in Morocco, a high-level global forum organized by the United Nations and the World Health Organization (UN-WHO), leaders, policymakers, and industry experts gathered to discuss strategies for achieving the UN’s Decade of Action for Road Safety (2021-2030). As a special invitee from India, Rajeev Kapur, a leading helmet expert, was invited to share his insights on two-wheeler safety and unveil Mission Save Lives—a 13-point plan aimed at halving global road injuries by 2030. From tackling counterfeit helmets to making certified ones more affordable, his roadmap emphasizes stricter regulations, advanced testing, and innovative safety solutions.
In this exclusive Q&A, Kapur discusses the urgent need for helmet reforms and the steps required to make two-wheeler travel safer for millions.
Q1: Mr. Kapur, you recently unveiled ‘Mission Save Lives’ at the 4th Ministerial Conference on Road Safety in Morocco. What is the key objective of this initiative?
A: Mission Save Lives is a 13-point action plan aimed at reducing global road injuries by 50% by 2030, in line with the UN’s Decade of Action for Road Safety. The focus is on improving helmet safety through stricter regulations, better affordability, and stronger enforcement, particularly in developing nations where unsafe helmets are a major issue.
Q2: Why is helmet safety such a critical aspect of road safety, especially in India?
A: India has one of the highest numbers of two-wheeler riders in the world, and unfortunately, road accidents involving bikers lead to thousands of fatalities each year. Many deaths and serious injuries occur due to poor-quality helmets or the lack of helmet use altogether. Ensuring that every rider wears a certified helmet can significantly reduce head injuries and save lives.
Q3: You emphasized the problem of counterfeit and substandard helmets. How can this issue be tackled?
A: The first step is strict enforcement of helmet certification standards. I have proposed that every new motorcycle must be sold with two certified helmets. Additionally, we need an international blacklist of manufacturers producing non-compliant helmets. Educating consumers is equally important, as many riders unknowingly purchase unsafe helmets.
Q4: You called for helmet testing labs in every country. Why is this necessary?
A: Right now, different countries have different testing standards, making it difficult to ensure uniform safety. Establishing testing laboratories worldwide under the supervision of the UN and WHO would help maintain globally accepted safety certifications like DOT, ECE 22.06, and ISI. This would prevent the sale of helmets that don’t provide real protection.
Q5: High helmet prices are often cited as a reason for low compliance. How does your plan address this issue?
A: Many riders opt for cheaper, non-certified helmets because of high costs. I have proposed waiving import duties in countries where local helmet production is not feasible. This would make quality helmets more affordable. Additionally, I have recommended government-backed subsidies for helmet manufacturers to produce safe helmets at lower prices.
Q6: You suggested a “No Helmet, No Fuel” policy. How practical is this for India?
A: This policy can be very effective, but it should only be implemented after making certified helmets easily accessible and affordable. The idea is to create a strong deterrent against helmetless riding, just like seatbelt laws have done for cars.
Q7: What role do delivery services and two-wheeler taxis play in road safety?
A: Delivery riders and two-wheeler taxi drivers spend long hours on the road and are highly vulnerable to accidents. I have urged ride-hailing and delivery companies to enforce standardized helmets for their riders. Independent safety checks should also be conducted on helmets provided by these platforms to ensure they meet quality standards.
Q8: You proposed helmet sensors similar to seatbelt alarms in cars. How would this work?
A: Just like modern cars beep when passengers don’t wear seatbelts, two-wheelers can be equipped with sensors that beep until the rider and pillion wear certified helmets. This would encourage compliance and significantly improve safety.
Q9: Helmet recalls can be costly and inefficient. How can this be improved?
A: I have proposed real-time traceability systems for helmet components. This would allow manufacturers to recall only defective parts instead of mass recalls, which can be wasteful and expensive. It ensures that any defect is addressed quickly without causing unnecessary disruptions.
Q10: With over 1.2 million road accident deaths globally each year, what needs to change in our approach to road safety?
A: We need a multi-pronged approach—better laws, stricter enforcement, consumer awareness, and global cooperation. Helmets should not be an afterthought but a mandatory safety tool for every two-wheeler rider. If governments, manufacturers, and international bodies work together, we can make roads safer for everyone.