Helmet awareness grows in Bengaluru: Cases drop by 50% in 2 years, but fatalities still high

Traffic rule violations in Bengaluru have seen a significant shift over the last two years, especially in cases related to riding without a helmet. Recent data shows that from January to May 2025, about 8 lakh cases were registered against riders without helmets, almost half the number recorded during the same five-month period in 2023 and 2024.

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According to Bengaluru Traffic Police data, by the end of May 2023, around 20.95 lakh ‘without helmet’ cases were booked, while in 2024 it rose further to 26.80 lakh. Comparing this with the 8 lakh cases registered this year so far shows a nearly 50% drop, indicating that more two-wheeler riders are aware of the importance of wearing helmets.

However, despite improved compliance, the risk remains high. Accident figures reveal that the number of deaths and severe injuries due to not wearing helmets continues to be a major concern. By May-end 2025, 334 people lost their lives and 1,554 were injured in road accidents in the city. Although this shows a slight decrease compared to the same period in 2024, when 374 deaths and 1,663 injuries were recorded, it highlights that careless driving and ignoring other traffic rules still cost lives.

Overall, Bengaluru Traffic Police registered over 23 lakh traffic violation cases by the end of May 2025, covering offenses like drunk driving (15,151 cases), jumping signals (2,56,881), speeding (13,237), and not wearing seat belts (3,22,846). Wrong parking too remains a headache with 2,56,766 cases recorded.

Interestingly, fines collected from helmetless riders also reflect this trend: Rs 45.77 crore was collected in 2023, Rs 13.93 crore in 2024, and Rs 6.31 crore in just the first five months of 2025.