Hyderabad: Helmet-less riding is claiming the life of a pillion rider every third day across the three commissionerates, say police.
According to data, the Cyberabad commissionerate recorded 78 two-wheeler rider fatalities between January and March this year. Of these, 21 were pillion riders. During the same period, Hyderabad saw 19 riders and five pillion-riders lose their lives to road accidents, while in Rachakonda the count of fatal accidents stood at 93.
In 2024, helmetless violations were the highest among the 10 life-endangering violations. On average, across Hyderabad, 6,000 violations were noted. In the same year, 94 pillion deaths in Hyderabad and 75 pillion deaths in Cyberabad were recorded. This year, more than six lakh challans have been issued in Hyderabad, four lakh in Rachakonda and 30,000 in Cyberabad.
Between February 27 and March 13 — Hyderabad commissionerate alone reported 1.5 lakh helmet violation cases. In Rachakonda and Cyberabad, the numbers were 79,668 and 11,950 respectively. “Wearing a helmet is not a priority for many two-wheeler riders, let alone pillion riders, despite the number of accidents,” shared T Sai Manohar, DCP (Traffic) Madhapur.
Fines not a deterrent
City traffic police levy a fine of 100 for the first-time violation. For repeat offenders, the fine is 200. Road safety activists say these fines are meagre and barely a deterrent. “Cities need a combination of strict enforcements such as automatic deduction of fines when challan is issued,” shared Vinod K Kanumala, founder and chief functionary of the Indian Federation of Road Safety. “In case of helmetless riding, 80% of the time the rider is safe. It is the pillion rider that suffers serious spinal injuries or even death.”
Raghavan Naresh, a road safety author and coach, said, “Last year, a 90% off on challan was introduced at the end of the year. Citizens believe this would be the case at the end of 2025 as well. Such waivers should be done away with.”
Aggregators or violators?
While aggregator firms are required to provide helmets to pillion riders, the reality is otherwise, say commuters. “I book a bike ride from various platforms every day and never have the drivers offered me a helmet. Sometimes, the rider himself isn’t wearing one,” said Sravya A, who commutes from Kukatpally to Gachibowli.
When TOI asked people at random, many of them claimed ignorance of the helmet rule. “We all carry helmets, but I don’t see anyone in my college or circle wearing them. Also, we have never been stopped or fined, so why bother?” said Harsh Jain, a student.
“While companies offering bike taxi services claim they mandate helmets for pillion riders, many drivers do not carry a spare due to cost, inconvenience, or lack of enforcement,” said Shaik Salauddin, founder and president of Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU).
“Ensuring helmet use is non-negotiable for both our captains and pillion-riders. Every captain is equipped with a helmet and carries an additional one for the pillion-rider. We strictly enforce this policy and address any non-compliance with utmost seriousness,” said a spokesperson for ride-hailing firm Rapido.
