Cuttack/Bhubaneswar: A helmet can mean the difference between life and death. Official data from Odisha highlights this stark reality—while 5,160 people lost their lives in road accidents over the last three years due to not wearing helmets, as many as 5,527 lives were saved during the same period because riders had helmets on.
In 2024 alone, 2,397 two-wheeler riders survived road accidents despite sustaining serious injuries, thanks to helmets. A similar number—2,397—were saved in 2023, while in 2022, the figure stood at 1,688. Authorities say the actual number of lives saved could be even higher, as many minor cases often go unrecorded.
“These figures clearly prove that helmets save lives. Simple adherence to road safety rules can protect families from irreversible loss,” an official said.
The human stories behind the statistics underline the message.
Rashmita Nayak, a scooter rider from Bhubaneswar, recalled how a helmet saved her life during a severe crash. “The accident was so serious that I could have lost my life. I suffered injuries, but by God’s grace and because I was wearing a helmet, I survived,” she said.
On the other hand, Amiyabala Parida, who lost her son in a road mishap, shared her grief: “If my son had worn a helmet that day, he might still be with me. My only request to everyone is to always wear a helmet when riding a two-wheeler.”
Road safety authorities have renewed appeals to citizens to make helmet use a non-negotiable habit, stressing that accidents may be unavoidable, but survival often depends on simple safety measures.
