From the BACKSEAT

Each time I am on the Delhi roads, sitting on the backseat of my friend’s motorbike, there is this thought which makes me wonder:

Why does a woman on the backseat of a bike doesn’t wear a helmet in India?

The cop doesn’t charge them, the general public doesn’t care and it is very sorry on my part to say that even girls don’t give a thought about their safety. I hate the statements "ladkiyon ko kya krna helmet lagake..mamu nahi pakadte unhe" .." arey! biker ho? helmet to bikers log pehente hain".."Peeche hi to baethna hai, helmet se kya farak padta hai".

I confess that this thinking of mine would not have grown stronger had I not met with an accident and felt the consequences myself. Police check points keep an eye on all the guys without helmets and screw them till they are bribed with 200 rupees as a token of generosity.

From all my observations till date, more than 90% women on the backseats either are not aware of their safety or DO NOT use a helmet. If the notion is “beauty and make-up shouldn’t be hidden”, then I damn these ideas. If you think helmets don’t go with the Indian attires, damn it too. The consciousness for safety just doesn’t exist.



In the era of motorization, where two-wheelers (bikes and scooters) are dominating the roads , one is prone to rash driving/riding and accidents for sure. Its true ‘Thrill’ excites one and all. The feel when rushing down the road and the wind gushing through the face. What one fails to realize is that super speed riding doesn’t make you cool. The consequence of a collision and the importance of safety when on road is not known.





From the backseat,

A note to the girls :“Create safety measures before you make fashion statements on the road."

It is true that changing public notions is not a day’s job. But creating a wakefulness can make a difference. Accidents don’t decide whom to target and safety isn’t restricted to the fairer sex.

*Next time I m without a helmet, I am going to ask the cop to charge me a fine :)





Ruchi K