New Delhi : International Road Federation (IRF) , Geneva based global road safety body working for better and safer roads worldwide has expressed concern at increase in number of road accidents in the country as per latest data compiled by Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) riders of Two wheelers had the highest share of road deaths .

As per the latest data shared by Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) during the year 2023 two wheeler riders accounted for 45% or 77,539 of total road accident deaths .This included about 50,000 Two wheeler riders who died for not wearing a helmet .

“IRF has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reduce GST on helmets from present 18% to 0 %as the two wheeler riders, being most vulnerable, as about 31% died due to head injuries. One of the most effective measures to reduce the two wheeler accident injuries and fatalities is the use of standard helmets.” Said Mr K K Kapila, President Emeritus, International Road Federation (IRF)

“The helmet usage in our country has been found to be low. It has been noticed that most of the two-wheeler riders fall in economically weaker and lower income groups and prefer to purchase helmets which are cheaper and inferior in quality. Many of these helmets are not capable of saving a rider’s life, in case of an accident.” Said Mr Kapila.

“Currently, the applicable rate of GST on helmets is 18% which is a life saving device. IRF strongly recommends that there should be no GST on helmets. This will help in making the standard helmets more affordable for the masses and will discourage them from buying helmets of substandard quality. This in turn will assist, not only in reducing road accident fatalities of two wheeler riders, but will also help in reducing the whooping GDP loss due to road accidents to our economy.” Mr Kapila said .

“Reduction of GST on helmets will help in making the standard helmets more affordable for the masses and will discourage them from buying helmets of substandard quality. This in turn will assist, not only in reducing road accident fatalities of two wheeler riders, but also in reducing the whooping GDP loss due to road accidents in our economy.” Said Mr Kapila.