Helmetless riders: Assam BJP MLA bats for seizing motorcycles to avert fatal road accidents
Guwahati, June 3
BJP MLA from Assam's Bihpuria Assembly constituency Bhupen Borah on Wednesday urged the Assam government and police to adopt stricter measures against helmetless riders, including imposing fines and seizing motorcycles for up to one month, following a series of fatal road accidents involving youths in his constituency.
Speaking to reporters, the legislator expressed concern over the rising number of deaths caused by motorcycle accidents, particularly among young people in Assam.
He said several families in the Tikira region under his constituency have recently suffered tragic losses.
"Three youths from our area have lost their lives in motorcycle accidents, while another youth is currently battling for life in a critical condition," Borah said.
He stated that the recurring accidents have created deep distress among local residents and pointed out that many affected families belong to economically weaker sections.
According to the MLA, the traditional customs and rituals of the Mising community following accidental deaths often involve huge expenditures, placing an additional burden on bereaved families.
Borah said local BJP workers have been trying to extend support to the affected households, but stressed that stronger preventive measures are necessary to curb such incidents in the future.
The MLA suggested that Assam should consider introducing speed restrictions for motorcycles, especially for riders between the ages of 19 and 25.
Drawing comparisons with speed regulations imposed on commercial vehicles, he said similar limitations could help reduce reckless driving among youths.
He also announced that he would hold discussions with the police administration in Bihpuria to strengthen enforcement against traffic violations.
"Those riding motorcycles without helmets must be penalised strictly. Apart from the existing fines, police stations should be empowered to seize such motorcycles for one month," he said.
Borah questioned how young riders without helmets could continue to move freely despite repeated awareness campaigns and legal provisions.
He added that stricter enforcement and public discipline are essential to prevent further loss of lives on Assam's roads.
The BJP MLA's remarks come amid increasing concern over road safety and rising fatalities involving two-wheelers across the state.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Interesting proposal, but I'm not sure seizing bikes is the best solution. What about the person who relies on that motorcycle for their daily bread? Truck drivers aren't stopped for speeding, but a poor kid without a helmet gets his bike taken? There's a fairness gap here. 😕
Mising community rituals after accidental deaths are indeed very costly—I've seen it firsthand. But why punish everyone by seizing bikes? Why not just double the fine and ensure every traffic cop actually checks? Corruption in enforcement is the real problem. 🙄
As someone who grew up in Assam, I can say this is long overdue. Parents bury their kids in the prime of their youth because they think 'head ka scene nahi hota'. If a one-month bike seizure saves even one life, it's worth it. Education alone doesn't work—enforcement does.
I support the idea of stricter penalties, but month-long seizure seems excessive—what if someone needs the bike for hospital emergencies or daily work? Better to have graduated penalties: first fine, then mandatory safety workshop, then seizure for repeat offenders. Still, kudos to the MLA for caring. 👍
In many parts of Assam, especially rural areas, people can't afford helmets or simply find them uncomfortable in the heat. The government should provide subsidized helmets instead of only punishing. But yes, something needs to change—three deaths in one area is scary. 😔
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