No helmet, no fuel: UP’s bold move for safer roads
Road safety remains a pressing concern in India, especially for two-wheeler riders.
In response, the Uttar Pradesh government has launched a month-long campaign titled “No Helmet, No Fuel” to promote safer riding habits.
The drive began on 1st September and will continue till 30th September.
During this period, fuel stations will deny petrol to two-wheeler riders without proper helmets.
This initiative focuses on developing riding discipline, not punishing defaulters.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath underlined that the campaign aims to raise awareness. He stressed the importance of helmets in saving lives.
Likewise, Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Brajesh Pathak appealed to the public. He urged riders to slow down and follow traffic rules for their own safety and that of their families.
The campaign is being implemented across the state under the supervision of district magistrates.
The district road safety committees are actively coordinating the initiative. Additionally, the Food and Civil Supplies Department is monitoring fuel stations.
The Information and Public Relations Department is promoting the campaign to reach the maximum people.
The move comes after a worrying report from the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
In 2023, Uttar Pradesh recorded 44,534 road accidents, a rise from 41,746 cases in 2022. This data highlighted an urgent need for stricter enforcement and public awareness.
Helmets can reduce the risk of serious injury or death during accidents. However, many riders still ignore this basic safety rule.
The No Helmet, No Fuel campaign aims to change this mindset and promote responsible behaviour on roads.
Moreover, the government hopes this initiative will bring down road accident numbers significantly.
With consistent enforcement and public cooperation, UP could set an example for other states.
The campaign sends a clear message: safety is non-negotiable. Wearing a helmet costs less than a life, and now, it’s the key to refuelling your bike.
Image Credit: Brandenads, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Image Reference:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:A_Wide_Variety_Of_Helmets.png