Over 3,137 people lost lives in Telangana for not wearing helmets in 2024: Police

Hyderabad: As many as 3,137 people in Telangana died in 2024 for not wearing helmets, while another 482 lives were lost due to non-usage of seat belts, according to data from the police department.

Awareness a Collective Duty

During his two-day visit to Telangana, Supreme Court Road Safety Committee chairman Justice Abhay Manohar Sapre (Retd.) described the figures as “a painful reminder that behind each statistic lies a family devastated by avoidable loss.”

Justice Sapre underscored the need for widespread public awareness on road safety. He said helmets and seat belts are not only personal responsibilities but also legal obligations, and urged every road user to adopt them without compromise.

He emphasised that road safety is primarily a matter of personal responsibility and urged citizens to adopt helmets and seat belts as lifesaving essentials.

Helmets and seat belts save lives

Justice Sapre said a simple act of strapping a seat belt or wearing a helmet significantly reduces the risk of fatal injury in road accidents. “These are not just safety measures but lifesaving habits that protect you and your loved ones,” he stressed.

Call for Government Action

The retired judge also outlined measures for improving road safety, including immediate filling of potholes, advance alerts to motorists on licence and insurance expiry, and regular monthly meetings of district-level road safety committees.

He emphasised the role of schools, doctors, police officers, volunteers, and drivers in building a culture of safety on the roads.