Shillong, March 19 Meghalaya Police handed out nearly 400 helmets to violators on Thursday instead of fining them for riding with children without helmets in the East Khasi Hills district, an official said.
The helmets were distributed during a special enforcement drive conducted by the district traffic police, targeting parents who were transporting minors on motorcycles and scooters without protective headgear, they said.
East Khasi Hills district SP (Traffic) K Prasad said the initiative was aimed at promoting awareness and ensuring the safety of children rather than resorting to immediate penal action.
"We found that many parents were either unaware or casual about the importance of helmets for children. Instead of penalising them straightaway, we decided to counsel them and provide helmets so that the children are protected," Prasad told