Allow foreign helmets: Harley Davidson owners of Mumbai

MUMBAI: Harley Davidson owners have appealed to the Mumbai traffic police to recognize helmets with American Department of Transportation (DOT) and Australian certification logos.

Last month, Mumbai police commissioner Arup Patnaik had instructed the traffic department to fine all bikers wearing helmets without the ISI certification mark. Police booked hundreds, including owners of foreign bikes who wear helmets certified by Australian, Italian and American authorities. "The purpose of the police commissioner's directive was to send a strong message to those using cheap plastic helmets . But the cops carrying out the order have failed to understand that helmets certified by the DOT are among the safest in the world," said Debashish Ghosh, owner of a Harley Davidson bike.

Vijay Jain of Wheelieboy Adventure India Ltd said, "We appreciate the traffic department's initiative to make sure people use ISI-certified helmets, but we are looking for a slightly higher standard as our bikes are more powerful and expensive. Our helmets are more reliable and have undergone stringent tests."

Ever since the police began the drive, some bikers who use cheap helmets have managed to hoodwink them by painting or sticking ISI logos on their helmets. "Traffic constables are fining us for helmets with a DOT logo but they are unable to decipher forged ones," said Monit Pahwa. Another bike enthusiast, Freddy Pithavala, said, "I would rather pay a Rs 100 fine to a traffic cop than wear an ISI helmet and risk my life." The Harley Davidson Owners' Association members met the DCP (traffic) Brijesh Singh, said Ghosh. DCP Singh said, "We have received the application for recognizing those helmets. I have forwarded the same to the transport department, which is the competent authority to take an appropriate decision."

ISI-mark helmets: ISI-mark helmets adhere to the standards laid down by the Bureau of Indian Standards. According to these, the shell of the helmet is required to be of non-metallic material. The retention system material for the chin strap and headband has to be sweat-resistant, non-irritant and not cause skin disease. These helmets, conditioned by solvents, ultra-violet, heat and cold, are tested for impact absorption.

DOT rating: The American Department of Transportation (DOT) rating is based on dropping the helmets from a height of ten feet. A stimulated head is placed inside the helmet to measure the degree of impact. The head cannot receive more than 400 G-force units on impact.