It’s their choice

T.V.K. Nair rightly says that helmets should be optional (Vivacity, November 26). The helmet is to be used only for the personal safety of the rider and not for the safety of others. So, by not using a helmet a rider takes only a personal risk, and does not compromise the safety of others. Thus as other people will not be affected by not using a helmet they have no right to insist that the helmet must be used. As far as personal safety is concerned everybody must be left free to make his or her own choice, and making helmets compulsory will rob individuals of this choice. Wearing a helmet is not without its irritating inconveniences, and if somebody feels that he or she would prefer the risk of a million to one chance of an accident to the everyday irritations of wearing a helmet, the person must be left free to exercise his or her own choice. Making the use of helmets compulsory would thus become an infringement on personal freedom.

I have been riding a two-wheeler for 45 years without a helmet, but scrupulously observing all rules of the road. Instead of trying to prevent injury during accidents, the endeavour should be to prevent accidents themselves, which are caused by rash driving. Those who feel concerned about the well-being of two-wheeler riders would do better to campaign for spreading a greater sense of security and responsibility, and respect for law among two-wheeler riders, rather than for making helmets compulsory.