Brake The Habit: Helmet On, Risks Gone – No Helmet, No Ride

The Indian government has initiated a nationwide campaign to eliminate the sale of substandard helmets by enforcing mandatory ISI certification. This includes targeting vendors selling non-compliant helmets and conducting inspections to ensure quality control. The Consumer Affairs Ministry has directed district magistrates to lead these efforts, emphasizing the importance of purchasing ISI-certified helmets for rider safety.

The 'Brake the Habit' campaign focuses on raising awareness about responsible driving through public engagement and educational activities. It emphasizes storytelling and digital content to influence driver behavior and improve awareness of traffic laws and safety standards, with a significant push during Road Safety Week in January 2026.

Helmet manufacturers are expected to support the government's initiatives by increasing production of ISI-certified helmets and ensuring their availability in the market. The Two-Wheeler Helmet Manufacturers Association has welcomed mandates that require two helmets to be provided with each two-wheeler sold, reinforcing the importance of helmet use among riders and passengers.

In 2022, India recorded approximately 63,115 two-wheeler accidents, resulting in 25,228 deaths. This represents a significant rise in both accidents and fatalities compared to previous years. It highlights the urgent need for improved helmet usage and adherence to safety regulations to protect riders.

The Indian government has launched 'Mission Save Lives 2.0', aiming to reduce road deaths by 50% by 2031 through helmet regulation, surveillance technology, and enforcement. This includes regular inspections, license verification, and mandatory ISI-certified helmets with each two-wheeler sold, ensuring a phased approach to enhancing road safety.