PANAJI, INDIA: To curb the increasing incidents of road mishaps in Goa, the state has made the use of helmets and seat belts compulsory from Monday.

"We are implementing the order from today as was announced earlier. Our traffic police personnel have spread out everywhere and I have instructed them to book cases as and when they spot a violation," Superintendent of Police (Traffic), A V Deshpande told PTI in Panaji.

Use of helmets for both the driver as well as the pillion rider and use of seat belts for car owners have been made mandatory from Monday.

Though there have been regular advertisements in all major newspapers about the order, the common man on the street still seems a bit confused.

"We were told that the ban would be implemented only on highways and inter-city roads, not within the city limits. There have been conflicting reports, and we are confused," said Sadanand Teli, a scooter owner.

Police, however, deny that there was any ambiguity over the order. "I see no difference between the highway and city roads. I have given orders that the order should be implemented everywhere," Deshapande said, adding that non-compliance would attract a fine of Rs 100.

According to police statistics, 235 people died in road accidents in the state last year-- 114 of whom succumbed to head injuries sustained due to not wearing helmets.

This year alone, 16 motorcyclists were killed after accidents as they were not wearing helmets.

http://www1.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/816651.cms