Borrow a Helmet, Save a Life: Hyderabad’s Innovative Safety Drive

In a forward-thinking move to improve road safety and encourage responsible riding, the Malkajgiri Police Commissionerate has launched an innovative Helmet Bank programme in Hyderabad to promote helmet use among two-wheeler riders . The initiative reflects a shift from penalty-driven enforcement to awareness-based compliance, emphasising that saving lives matters more than issuing fines. Under the scheme, traffic personnel identify riders travelling without helmets and provide one free on a temporary basis after collecting basic details. The helmet must be returned within 24 hours after the rider purchases a new one, ensuring immediate compliance while encouraging long-term protective habits. Traffic-I Deputy Commissioner of Police K. Rahul Reddy said the initiative focuses on preventing risk at the moment it occurs and reinforcing personal responsibility.

Authorities stress that wearing a helmet should be viewed as self-protection , not merely a way to avoid penalties . While violations attract fines in Telangana, enforcement alone has not ensured consistent compliance, prompting police to adopt behaviour-change strategies. The Helmet Bank has been deployed at major junctions across the Malkajgiri zone to prevent head injuries , save lives , build public trust , and promote lasting safety practices. The programme also strengthens the Telangana Police’s Arrive Alive campaign, reminding riders that helmets are essential regardless of distance. Safety experts note that helmet use significantly reduces fatal injuries in crashes, especially among young riders. By combining enforcement with awareness and empathetic policing, officials hope to make safe riding a social norm and encourage citizens to contribute to safer roads.