For motorcycle riders, helmets are more than just a legal requirement—they are a vital tool for protection. However, riders in many parts of the world, including India, are often let down by the widespread availability of non-standard and counterfeit helmets that fail to offer the necessary protection in the event of an accident. This concerning issue was the focus of a recent initiative held in Delhi, as part of the Safety 2024 pre-conference programme.
On Sunday, September 1st, the Global Alliance of NGOs for Road Safety hosted a “walkshop” in partnership with Uber to investigate the availability and affordability of safe motorcycle helmets. The event brought together motorcycle riders from the local community, giving them the opportunity to share their experiences and understand how to make informed choices about helmet safety. This session was part of a broader project called Helmet Snapshots, where similar community consultations were conducted in different countries to gather insights on helmet use.
Real Stories from the Community: Safety at the Forefront
During the session, participants echoed the same concerns as those in other countries: ‘safety’ is a top priority when purchasing a helmet, and many riders are willing to invest a little extra for quality. However, the ability to distinguish a genuinely safe helmet from a fake or substandard one remains a challenge.
Take the case of Santosh (name changed), one of the riders interviewed at the event; he had paid more than the average for his helmet, believing it was a good investment in his safety. His helmet had even protected him during a crash. But when experts at the event inspected it, they found that while the helmet was originally of good quality, its age and the crash it had been through meant it was time for a replacement.
Another rider, Shailesh (name changed), also recognised the importance of safety. Using his motorcycle daily for commuting, he too opted to spend a little more to ensure his helmet was reliable. However, his wife Pooja, who rides occasionally, wore a cheaper helmet they had bought, trusting that it would still offer protection. At the session, her helmet was tested and found to be non-standard. A simple demonstration showed how easily it could break in the event of an accident. Pooja was then gifted a new, safe, and standard-approved helmet.
The Silent Threat of Substandard Helmets
'Many loopholes in importing, manufacturing, and the helmet market are not being regulated or enforced, allowing substandard and fake helmets to flood the market,' explained Chika Sakashita, CEO of the Global Alliance of NGOs for Road Safety. These helmets are often cheaper because they are made with lower-quality materials and construction, yet they pose a significant risk. Riders, unaware of the differences, often purchase them, believing they are buying something that will protect them.
Sakashita's words resonated with the findings of the walkshop: despite riders' willingness to prioritise safety, the sheer volume of fake helmets on the market, many branded with fake standard certifications, makes it difficult for even the most well-intentioned consumers to make the right choice.
Moving Towards a Safer Future
The insights gained from this community consultation, along with those from similar sessions worldwide, will contribute to a larger publication on helmet safety. This report is set to be launched in 2025 at the 4th Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety. The findings will highlight the urgent need for stronger regulations, improved enforcement, and better education to protect riders.
The Delhi walkshop reinforced an essential message: riders need access to safe, reliable helmets, and it's up to regulators, manufacturers, and advocates to ensure they get it. As the fight for safer roads continues, efforts like these bring hope that change is not only necessary but achievable.
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