Morocco, February 2025 : As a significant step toward promoting global road safety, the UN-WHO invited Rajeev Kapur, Managing Director of Steelbird Helmets, as a helmet expert. He unveiled the ‘Mission Save Lives’ 13-point roadmap at the Fourth Ministerial Conference in Morocco, aiming to reduce global road accidents by 50% by 2030. This initiative is part of the UN’s ‘Decade of Action for Road Safety’ (2021-2030).
During a crucial discussion with helmet manufacturers, policymakers, and industry leaders worldwide, Mr. Kapur emphasized the need for global collaboration to curb the rising number of road accidents.
1. Universal Helmet Safety Standard for All Developing Countries
A universal helmet safety standard for all developing countries is essential to ensure helmets are readily available and affordable. Currently, each developing country has its own safety standards, requiring helmet manufacturers to develop helmets according to different regulations. Depending on the type of helmet, development takes more than two years and requires an investment of $100,000 - $300,000.
To launch a complete range of helmets in any country, at least four types are needed:
Demi Jet , Jet , Full Face , Flip Up
Due to these factors, investing in each country becomes costly. Implementing a uniform helmet standard across all developing countries would provide equal opportunities to all manufacturers, improve helmet quality, and bring more affordable helmets to the market. Consumers would gain access to certified, high-quality helmets at reasonable prices, furthering the UN’s ‘SAVE LIVES’ mission.
2. UN/WHO Helmet Testing Laboratories in Every Country
More than 50% of two-wheeler riders worldwide wear helmets that do not meet safety standards. Fake helmets look identical to real ones, making it difficult for the public to distinguish between them. However, their poor quality becomes evident in accidents. To address this issue, every country must establish UN/WHO-accredited helmet testing laboratories. These labs will inspect the quality of helmets in use and help eliminate fake helmets by banning their sale, revoking licenses, and enforcing penalties, ultimately saving lives.
3. Two Certified Helmets Mandatory with Every New Two-Wheeler
A law should be implemented in every developing country mandating that all two-wheeler manufacturers provide two certified helmets with every new vehicle. The cost of these helmets will be included in the vehicle’s price. This will ensure that every new customer receives certified helmets, encouraging the habit of wearing them.
This policy will also reduce the market for counterfeit helmets and lower the cost of certified helmets due to mass production.
4. Mandatory 25% CSR Contribution for Road Safety
All companies should be required to allocate 25% of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) budget to road safety initiatives, including distributing free or subsidized certified helmets, providing safety gear for children, and conducting road safety awareness campaigns.
5. Elimination of Import Duties and Taxes on Helmets
In countries where helmet manufacturing facilities are unavailable, all import duties and taxes on helmets should be removed. This will lower the cost of certified helmets and encourage people to purchase genuine helmets instead of counterfeit ones.
6. Mandatory Helmet Testing for Two-Wheeler Taxi, Delivery & Ride-Sharing Companies
All two-wheeler taxi, delivery, and ride-sharing companies should either establish their own helmet testing laboratories or get their helmets tested at certified labs in Europe and the U.S.
7. Mandatory ISO Certification for Helmet Manufacturers
All helmet manufacturers must obtain ISO certification, ensuring adherence to high-quality standards, product traceability, and safety compliance.
8. Traceability System for Defective Helmet Components
Every helmet manufacturer must have a traceability system in place to identify and recall defective helmet components swiftly.
9. Fully Equipped In-House Testing Laboratories for Helmet Manufacturers
Only manufacturers with fully equipped in-house testing laboratories should be permitted to produce helmets. This will ensure that only certified and safe helmets are available in the market.
10. Lightweight Bicycle Helmets Mandatory for Children Under Four Years
For children under four years old, lightweight bicycle helmets should be made mandatory instead of motorcycle helmets, as heavier helmets are not safe for them.
11. Nationwide Drive to Eliminate Fake Helmets
Before making helmets mandatory in any country, the government must remove all fake helmets from the market. If counterfeit helmets remain available, people will continue to purchase them, defeating the purpose of helmet regulations.
12. ‘No Helmet, No Fuel’ Policy
Before implementing this policy, the following conditions must be met: • A universal helmet standard should be enforced. • Certified helmets should be tax-free. • Only certified helmets should be available in the market. • UN-accredited helmet testing laboratories should be operational.
13. Helmet Sensors in All Two-Wheelers
Just as cars have seatbelt reminder alarms, two-wheelers should have technology that triggers a beep until both the rider and the pillion passenger wear their helmets.
This comprehensive 13-point plan aims to make roads safer worldwide by ensuring that only high-quality, certified helmets are available, promoting helmet usage, and eliminating fake helmets from the market. By working together, governments, manufacturers, and policymakers can significantly reduce road accidents and save lives by 2030.
